Lucille E. Byers

Mother Lucille E. Byers was born December 19, 1929 in Sunflower County, MS to Rev. John W. Williams Sr., and Sallie M. Williams. She was baptized in 1939 at Morning Star Baptist Church of East St. Louis, Illinois by Rev. John Smith, Pastor. Upon moving to Toledo, OH in August, 1944, she became a member of the Calvary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Dotson. There, she served as Sunday School Teacher, Matron Supervisor, a member of the Intermediate Choir, and church Clerk for 13 years. After leaving Calvary, she became a member of Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. John E. Roberts, serving again as church Clerk. Mother Byers was a graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Toledo. During her career, she served as member of both the American Business Women Association and The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. After many dedicated years of services as a Supervisor of the Intake Unit, Mother Byers retired from the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. Soon after retirement, she was employed by Northwest Ohio Private Industry Council as a Resource Manager. On August 27, 1983, she married Rev. Cornelious Byers becoming the First Lady of Morning Star Baptist Church, Toledo, Ohio. There she served with the Mission, Choir, Mother's Board, and as Financial Secretary. Before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, Mother Byers was an active member of the Mother's Board of Union Grove Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. J. L. Spears. In addition, she was also a member of the City-Wide Missionary Fellowship of Toledo; served as past President and Financial Secretary for the Interdenominational Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows, Toledo Chapter; and as Chairperson of Hostess Committee of the Ohio Association of Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows. Mother Byers was preceded in death by her parents, brother John W. Williams, Jr. and husband, Rev. Cornelious Byers. She leaves to mourn her passing, daughter, Tamara (Colin) Parker; grandchildren, Taylor Parker, London Parker, Kendall Parker and Kaleb Parker all of Charlotte, North Carolina; honorary granddaugher, Keyana Braddy, Toledo, OH; nieces and nephew, Brenda Williams, Toledo, OH, Leslie Stokes, Fontana, CA, Eric Mack, Toledo, OH; honorary daughter, Toni Craig, Toledo, OH, grandchildren, Jasmine (Cameron) Smedley, Cincinnati, OH, Jared (Janae) Craig, Toledo, OH; godchildren Kim Douglas, Alexandria, VA, Nancyne Walker, Toledo, OH and Daschell Williams, Toledo, OH; 11 great-great nieces and nephews and host of special friends.

Lucille E. Byers

December 19, 1929 - December 12, 2022