Geraldine “Gerri” Byrd Deer, 74, a resident of Bay Minette and native of Stapleton, AL, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Devine; parents, Julius (Bennett) and Eugenia (Mosley) Byrd; brothers, Doyle Byrd and Danny Byrd; sister, Gloria Jean Melton; and sons-in-law, Mark King, and Anthony Johnson.

She is survived by two daughters, Daphne (Tim) Graham and Nichole Johnson, all of Bay Minette; four grandchildren, Amber (Adam) Helton, Darla (Cacey) Coleman, all of Loxley, Dillon (Kendra) White of Excel, and Trevor Johnson, of Bay Minette; four great-grandchildren, Jada Coleman, Sophie Helton, Sadie Helton, and Barrett White; siblings, Judy Freeland of Stapleton, Buddy (Jo Ann) Byrd of Daphne, Faye (Ken) Henderson of Stapleton, Dennis (Mary) Byrd of Foley, Tammy (Larry) Davis of Spanish Fort; brother-in-law, Gerald Melton of Stockton; and sisters-in-law, Brenda (Cecil) Spivey and Julie Byrd, all of Robertsdale. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Geraldine “Gerri” was born to Bennett and Eugenie Byrd on March 31, 1948. She was one of nine children. Gerri was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She was a strong woman who had dealt with many obstacles throughout her life. She was influenced by her family to be a loving and caring woman, always giving her time to others. She loved her family with all her soul. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren could do no wrong in her eyes. She loved her siblings, and she and her sisters thought of themselves as The Golden Girls. And she loved her nieces and nephews as her own.

In her free time, she loved to paint, draw, write, listen to music, and read. She loved taking care of her plants and watching her birds. She loved to cook for family and friends when they came to visit. Most importantly, she loved Jesus. She was a true Southern Belle. She will be greatly missed.

We are hosting a Celebration of Life on Thursday, September 15,2022, at Stapleton Baptist Church, 35460 Baldwin Avenue in Stapleton, AL. Visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m. with service starting at 6:00 p.m. Please feel free to join us in celebrating our mom and share any memories you may have.

Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.