Jane Sparrow Byrd

Jane Sparrow Byrd, 97, died at her home in Hillsborough, NC, on January 1. She was the daughter of the late Louis Wilson Sparrow and Ethel Womble Sparrow.

Jane is predeceased by her husband Earl Judson Byrd and granddaughter Austyn Doshie Byrd. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Rees, and her husband, Mark Rees, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts; son, Robert Byrd, and his wife, Marcie Byrd of Warrenton, North Carolina; grandson, Gregory Rees, his wife Caroline Rees, and their children Madeline and Bobby, granddaughter Meredith Richards and her husband Daniel Richards and their children Emory and Calvin, sister, Ellen Cheek, and her husband, Ben Cheek; brother, Dr. Nathaniel Sparrow, and wife, Linda Sparrow; and many nieces and nephews.

Jane was a native of Chapel Hill and attended Meredith College for 2 years before enrolling and graduating from the University of North Carolina with a degree in mathematics. Jane taught at Orange High School and served as chairman of their math department. She endeavored to make mathematics accessible to all but connecting with students was a more important goal for her. She loved living in the community where she taught and enjoyed relationships with her former students. Jane was proud to receive the Exchange Club’s Golden Book of Deeds and the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellowship for her service to the community. As a lifelong learner, she also was honored to serve as a trustee of Meredith College in her retirement.

Much of Jane’s life was devoted to her church. She was an active member of First Baptist Church where she served as a deacon and as a Sunday School Teacher of the Alice McBane class for many years.

Jane and her family valued friendships with her neighbors who remained close even as her health declined. Jane was an avid reader who loved nothing better than a visit to Purple Crow to buy a book selected by her neighborhood book club group. Taking watercolor art lessons at the Orange County Senior Centers was also a great source of purpose and joy in her retirement.

Visitation will be at Walker’s Funeral Home from 5:00 -7:00 PM on 1/9/26. Funeral services will be held at Hillsborough First Baptist Church at 11:00 AM on 1/10/25.Memorials may be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Alamance Orange Prison Ministry. Messages of condolence may be mailed to the

Byrd Family ,134 Tuscarora Avenue, Hillsborough NC, 27278. Arrangements by Walker's Funeral Home - Hillsborough.