Mr. Ernest Hasque Byrd's Obituary
Ernest Hasque Byrd was born October 4, 1934, in the Pachuta community to William Byrd, Jr. and Ola Jefferson. Growning up in the Orange community, named for one of his ancesters, Ernest was a life long faithful member of Mt Jordan United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, treasurer, choir member and on various other committees. Upon his graduation from the Jasper County Agricultural High School in 1954, Ernest began his secondary education with Meridian Junior College in Meridian, MS. From there he would attend Jackson State University, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education and Administration. During this period, he also served in and received his honorable discharge from the US Army. While in college, Ernest met Fannie Mae Morris through her friend and roommate, Ada Fae Taylor. Their friendship blossomed into romance, and in 1959, they were married. He began his teaching career at Northside Elementary in Rose Hill, MS, teaching mostly math and science. He went on to serve as assistant principal and principal at South Side Elementary, as well as their interim superintendent for several years with the East Jasper School District. After retiring he served on the East Jasper Consolidated School District Board for many years, and also worked at the Quitman Knitting Mill. He spent much of his time enjoying his lifelong hobbies of fishing, hunting, and tending his vegetable garden. He loved to watch sports with his older brother Al, was a dedicated Saints fan, and could often be found in the stands at many of the Heidelberg home football games. Ernest departed this earthly life on Saturday, December 18th, 2021, at the Rush Foundation Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Joe Griffen Byrd, Javan Dowel, Frank Byrd, and Alfonzo Byrd. He leaves to celebrate his life, a wife, Fannie Mae Byrd; three daughters, Janice (Don) Tinsley, Vanessa Parker, and Thyra (Will) Sumlin; three grandchildren, Ryan Parker, Jori Tinsley, and Dillon Turner; one great granddaughter, Madison Parker; one sister, Lois Jordan; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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