Mrs. Dorothy “Dee” Jo Byars, 94, of Birmingham, Ala., formerly of Winfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 18, 2023, in the Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Assisted Living Facility. Dee was born on Nov. 11, 1928 in Decatur, Ala. to Paul Franklin and Doris Ferguson Hardeman.
She was a 1946 graduate of Winfield City High School and later attended University of Montevallo. After college, Dee married the love of her life, John B. Byars Jr., and together they had two children.
Dee was a social butterfly, a forever friend, and a loving confidant. She spent her life supporting her family and community ardently through participation in fundraising and civic organizations, some of which included the Heritage Association of Eufaula, the Eufaula Carnegie library, Habitat for Humanity, and the Salvation Army.
Dee’s hobbies included sewing, knitting, needlepoint, cooking, decorating, and taking care of her home and family. She was a member of Bold Springs Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.
In her last six years of life, Dee was surrounded by wonderful friends and community at Somerby. She referred to these neighbors as her ‘Somerby Family’ and was overwhelmingly fulfilled by these friendships in what became her home away from home during her last chapter.
Dee is survived by her son, John B. Byars III; her daughter, Beverly Worman; her husband, George; grandchildren, Kathryn Worman-Ross (Jeremy), Matthew Paul Byars (Amanda), Kendall Worman (Brandon Cohran), and Karoline Worman; and great-grandchildren, Charlie Allison Worman-Ross, Emma Madison Worman-Ross, and River Worman-Ross.
In addition to her parents, Dee was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Byars Jr.
A graveside service for Dee was held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 from the Winfield City Cemetery.
Special thanks to all those who provided loving care, including the staff at Somerby, Cornerstone Caregiving, and Compassus Hospice Birmingham.
The family welcomes donations to Helen Keller International, and Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, causes important to Dee, as an expression of sympathy.
Miles Memorial Funeral Home
981 State Highway 253
Winfield, AL 35594
205-487-4327
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