Shirley "Honey" Day Byerly

Shirley "Honey" Byerly, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished matriarch of the Byerly family, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving children on her 97th birthday, October 8th, 2025, in Cumming, GA.

Born October 8, 1928, in Richmond, Virginia, Shirley Louise Day was the daughter of William Frederick Day and Sarah Louise Carter “Doots” Day. She was the beloved sister of Freddy (Francis), Beverly (Karl Harris), Betty Lou (Phil Rose), June (David Nelson), and Randy (Pam).

She is survived by her loving children, Don Jr. (Julie), Sharon, and Tim (Mary Beth), and all three sisters. She was a proud grandmother to five: Donnie III (Whitney), Brooke (Justin Mattox), Timmy (Rachel), Brett (MacKenzie) and Elizabeth (Walker Elias) and a delighted great-grandmother to nine: Grey, Banks, Miller, Gigi, Donald IV “Ford”, Meyers, Beau, Kaitlyn, Wyatt and delighted in knowing even more were on the way.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Byerly Sr., daughter Mary Su Byerly, parents, brothers Freddy and Randy Day, siblings-in-law, Karl Harris and Francis Day, and dear friends Charlotte and Jim Monaghan.

On St. Patrick’s Day 1951, Shirley married the love of her life, Don Byerly Sr., The couple’s life together began in a log cabin on Timber Lake, where Don’s daily greeting of “Honey, I’m home!” gave Shirley the affectionate nickname that lasted a lifetime. After time in Norfolk and New Orleans, they settled in Atlanta in 1965. For over 50 years, their home in Fontainebleau Forest was the heart of the extended family, where Honey and “Grandaddy” were a beloved sight, waving to all from their front porch rocking chairs. They deeply cherished their 66 wonderful years together, setting a high bar for future generations.

Honey was a staple at any Byerly event, widely known for her devotion to family and friends. She baked countless lemon cakes made for every occasion—from birthdays to touchdowns to just because—always ensuring extra dollops of chocolate icing for every grandchild. To be a guest at Honey’s often meant discovering her lifelong habit of leaving Hershey Kisses in Mary Su's stocking accessible year-round.

Her daily joys often included reading and relaxing with her favorite game shows, "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune," classic westerns, or “Andy Griffith”, and keeping active with her beloved Silver Sneakers group. Shirley always knew what she wanted, famously demanding her steaks be a perfect medium "ra-air." When she wasn't enjoying a quiet morning coffee outdoors, she loved to dance and, of course, catch up on gossip with her "sistuh” Beverly. To the end, she kept the neighborhood and bird scene on watch, rotating her court from Tim & Mary-Beth’s, Sharon’s, or Brooke’s porches until her next visitors arrived.

Her people will forever remember her comforting presence: the silky feel of her "slippuhs" and satin soft pajamas, the way she gave the best back scratches and neck kisses, her patience in teaching her grandkids manners, and, in a flash, a sharp wit to banter with anyone. Her sense of humor radiated with a big laugh, appreciation for practical jokes, photo bombs, and racing wheelchairs on her airport travels.

Honey chose to respond to life’s challenges by pouring into her family as an exemplary wife and steadfast mother. Her most amazing quality may have been her ability to make lasting personal connections with in-laws, friends, neighbors, and complete strangers. It didn’t matter if it was a work colleague, teammate, soldier, dental patient, or restaurant server- she made a point to learn names and care deeply in a grandmotherly capacity for countless people beyond her own family.

As this family does everything by committee, special thanks are due to her Medical, Food, and Fun Directors (Brooke, Sharon, Mary Beth, Tim, and Don Jr.). Honey’s determination to attend key milestones from graduations, weddings, and birthdays to truly live and be comfortable during these final years was made possible by the whole family she loved so dearly. She felt blessed to be woven into the fabric of our lives and is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with her husband, daughter, and loved ones.

A memorial service will be held on October 17th. The visitation is at 2 pm and service is 3pm at Ingram Funeral Home @ 210 Ingram Ave in Cumming, GA.

Optional: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriner’s Children's Hospital of Atlanta.