Dorcas DeCoursey Byrd, 67, a native of Bogalusa, and a long-time resident of Canyon, Texas, passed away March 6, 2016 after a lengthy illness. Dorcas was born Jan. 4, 1949.

After graduating from Bogalusa High School in 1967, she attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. Dorcas began her extensive teaching career in Lubbock, Texas, and then taught at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Amarillo.

Afterwards, she taught for 26 years, from 1978-2004, in the Canyon Independent School District, first at Oscar Hinger Elementary School and later at Crestview Elementary School. Dorcas attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church and was an active member of the parish for many years.

She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Dr. Gary R. Byrd, of Canyon. Mrs. Byrd is also survived by her son, Keith Byrd, of Austin, Texas, her daughter Dr. Jennifer Byrd-Craven and husband Rick Craven, of Stillwater, Okla., and her three grandsons, Eli, Leo, and Asa Craven. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Laura DeCoursey Thibodeaux, of Baton Rouge.

Dorcas was preceded in death by her father, Frank Joseph DeCoursey, and her mother, Frances Ott DeCoursey.

She will be interred at the Ott Family Cemetery in Mt. Hermon. Griggs-Schooler-Gordon of Amarillo is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make donations to St. Ann’s Catholic Church of Canyon, to the Girl Scouts of America, or to a charity of their choice.