Elsie "Aline" Troup Byrd

Elsie “Aline” Troup Byrd, 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 4, 2023. When she answered her call, she heard “well done, thy good and faithful servant”.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Lawrence Drive Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia. A service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. Afterward, Aline will be laid to rest in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Aline was born in Ben Hill County, Georgia on February 9, 1927, to the late William Alton and Lougenia (Jean) Rathburn Troup. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Anderson Byrd, her sisters, Barbara Troup Stovall, Lucille Troup Bishop, Betty Troup Smith, and son-in-law, James Scott Bryan, Sr.

She attended Aston Junior High School and graduated from both Fitzgerald High School and Georgia-Alabama (GAB) Business School.

Aline met Carl Anderson Byrd in Macon, and after a three-week whirlwind romance, were happily married on April 30, 1944, for 69 years until his death in 2013.

Aline is survived by two daughters, Carlene Byrd Hibbitts (Paul Sr.), and Karen Byrd Bryan (Scott Sr., deceased in 2014). She never had any sons, but she truly loved and admired her sons-in-law, who she always knew she could depend on.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her four grandchildren, Paul E. Hibbitts, Jr. (Jamie), Jeffery C. Hibbitts (Kellie), James S. Bryan, Jr., and Emily Bryan Purser (Brandon).

She was blessed to have nine great-grandchildren, Graysen Parrish (Montana), Benjamin Hibbitts, Trevor Bland, Ryder Hibbitts, Walker Bland, Avery Laine Hibbitts, Anderson Hibbitts, Carlee Scott Purser, and Brooks Purser.

She is also survived by her brother, Dean Troup (Carolyn), of Fitzgerald and several nieces and nephews.

Aline was employed by the Bibb County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office for 47 ½ years; she served 2 ½ terms as the elected Clerk of Superior Court. She also worked 14 years part time continuing superior court business. She also served on the Board of Bibb County Civil Service Commission.

When her husband was ordained into the ministry in 1953, he pastored four churches through the years (Bethel, Salem, Thomaston Road, and Walnut Creek) and she became the preacher’s wife. While serving and administering to the church families, they both gained much respect which turned into wonderful lifelong friendships and memories with many.

Aline was a faithful member and supporter of Lawrence Drive Baptist Church, where she previously sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was a member of Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and attended AGAPE. WMU and missions were a very important outreach ministry for her.

She was recognized a couple years ago as a faithful supporter of Gideon’s Organization for placing many Bibles in memory of those who had passed away.

Aline had awesome baking skills; ask anyone who knew her about her 5-6 layer fresh coconut cake!

She is loved and respected by many; she is known as Momma and Grandma and is loved so much by her family. She spoiled us on birthdays and Christmas, but best of all, she prayed for each one of us every day. HOW BLESSED ARE WE to have known and loved this beautiful lady.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Aline Byrd to The Gideons at P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 97251 or https://gideons.org/donate/.

The family will be present and available at McCullough Funeral Home on Friday, June 7, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a casual visitation.