Kellen Joyce Thorndyke Byrd, age 88, of Lumberton, NC, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Woodhaven Nursing Center in Lumberton, NC. She was born in Robeson County on April 5, 1937 and married Tommy Byrd, the love of her life, on September 30, 1955.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Foreman Thorndyke, Sr. and Linnie Vivian Lamb Thorndyke; her siblings, including two stillborn brothers: Eugenia T. Meares, Madeleine T. Young, J.F. Thorndyke, Jr., John Knox Thorndyke, Samuel Edward Thorndyke, Sybil Rose T. Hedgpeth, Sheila Thorndyke, Veila T. Nye, and George Wade Thorndyke; her husband, Thomas Harold "T-Byrd" Byrd, Sr.; a son, Thomas Harold "Hal" Byrd; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Kellen Byrd.

She is survived by a daughter, Rose Marie Byrd; a daughter-in-law, Tonya M. Byrd; a grandson, Thomas Braddock Byrd; a granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Wester; her great-grandchildren: Lily Kate Byrd, Holden Brooks Byrd, Kearstan Michelle Rozier, and Thomas Edward Sims II; a sister, Elizabeth T. Nye; a brother, Luke Morris Thorndyke; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC, with Pastor Cole Dellinger officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends and loved ones in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.