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Betty Lynn Byrd Adams, 87, wife of Jerry L. Adams for 59 years, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, in Poplarville, Miss. She was born on Aug. 17, 1934, in Bogalusa, to the late Clayton and Velma Byrd, and was a lifetime resident of the Ben’s Ford community. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents; an infant son, Jerry Ellis Adams Jr.; her daughter, Kathye Adams Ryan; one brother, William “Sonny” Byrd; and sister, Sue Byrd Adams.

She was employed with Drs. Waldrop and Singleton for 35 years. She and her husband, Jerry, donated the land for the Clayton Byrd Fire Station, District #7 which continues to be instrumental in the safety and protection of our community. Betty was a great cook, which was something she learned from her Grandma Mizell. Chicken and dumplings and gumbo were her specialty!

Betty was an active member of Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she was inspired to begin the food ministry for the shut-ins there. She was a loving church member active in all areas. Betty will be missed and has been dearly loved by her large family and friends.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory: a daughter and son-in-law, Lorrie Adams Bickham and Keith and son-in-law Jerome “Jay” Ryan; grandchildren, Bent (Kristin) and Larke Bickham Williams (Taylor), all of Bogalusa, Wil Bickham (Heather) of Hattiesburg, Miss., Amber Ryan of Bogalusa, and Adam Ryan of Covington; her sister, Nella Rose Guilbeau of Baton Rouge; sisters-in-law, Debbie Adams Peterson, Bobbie Byrd and Phyllis Adams Nielson; and one brother-in-law, Lavelle Adams. She was “Nana” to six precious great-grandchildren, Cassie and Luke Bickham, Myles and Reagan Glenn, Avery and Amelia Ryan; and also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as special friends Carol and Allen Hillier.

Special thanks to the staff at Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church and Bro. Marcus Rosa.

Visitation was at Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church on Tuesday, Jan. 25, from noon until 2 p.m. A funeral service was held in the church sanctuary at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Marcus Rosa officiating. Burial followed in the McGehee Cemetery.

Poole Ritchie Funeral Home oversaw the final arrangements. The family invites you to sign the guestbook online at www.poolerichiefuneralhome.com.

Pallbearers were Barrett Adams, Keith Byrd, Bent Bickham, Wil Bickham, Adam Ryan and Taylor Williams.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the family asked that all present wear a mask. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice in her honor.