TOLEDO – Jill Anne (Prowant) Byrd, 69, of Lewiston, Michigan, passed over on Friday September 6, 2024, at St. Vincent Medical Center, in Toledo, with loved ones at her side. She was born December 17, 1954, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ray and JoAnne (Myers) Prowant of Dupont, and husband Mitchell Byrd of Jacksonville, Florida.
Other surviving relatives include Bill (Anissa) Prowant of Van Wert, Lynn (Bill) Miller of Punta Gorda, Florida, Anna (Jacks) Winders of Toledo, Tracy Lotz of Kenton, Griffin, Quentin, Milo, and life partner Billy Lawson of Lewiston, Michigan. She also leaves behind many cherished friends including Dan Daly of Lewiston, Michigan, and Renee Kelly of Alpena, Michigan, who remained vigilant in their care and concern until the very end.
Jill was a 1973 graduate of Continental High School and earned an associate degree at Patricia Stevens Career College and Finishing School. Her free spirit led her to journey and reside far and wide until she finally settled in northern Michigan. Here she was surrounded by her beloved cats and could often be found hosting gatherings for many friends while rock music from the 1970s played in the background. The life of the party, Jill never knew a stranger and truly enjoyed being the reason someone belly laughed, for belly laughs are the stuff of life and restore the spirit. No one would leave her presence without being satisfied by her amazing kitchen fare and an amazing story to tell. In her free time, Jill enjoyed admiring and restoring antiques, cooking, watching movies, collecting unique porcelain eggs, and reading. She enjoyed the art of making a house a home with bohemian touches and a warmth which was palpable.
A private burial will be held in Fairview Cemetery, Dupont.
Arrangements are under the direction of Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Continental.
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, hold your loved ones a little tighter, forgive that grudge you have held onto, or do something to lighten someone else’s load – for flowers fade but love lives on forever.
“Adoption isn’t a mother’s rejection, but an unconditional love that inspires her to put herself last and do all she can for her baby.” – Mary Hines
