Mary Dianne Byrd passed away on September 21, 2026, in Olton, TX. Graveside services will be held October 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Plainview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the supervision of Bartley Funeral Home of Plainview. 

Mary was born on December 20, 1942, to Ralph Roper Sr. and Thelma Key Roper. Mary graduated from Olton High School where she played clarinet in the marching band. She married Edgar Byrd in 1960. Their 25-year marriage produced 3 children and took them to live in New Mexico, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, where she was the backup pianist at Terrace Drive Baptist Church. The family then moved back to her beloved home and extended family in Texas. She later returned to school, attending Wayland and Texas Tech, where she earned a master's degree in psychotherapy. 

As a devoted psychotherapist at Inspirations in Plainview, she uplifted countless lives with her empathy and wisdom. Mary was an active member of Toastmasters and the Writers Guild in Plainview. Her artistic talents, especially in painting and redecorating furniture, brought beauty to everything she touched. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing the piano. Her genuine warmth made every family gathering memorable. Her home radiated elegance, grace, and hospitality, always filled with laughter and heartfelt care for her guests.

 Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Roper Sr. and Thelma Key Roper; her brothers: Ralph Jr. Roper and wife Beth, Billy Roper and wife Claudine, Randall Roper and wife Linda; and her nephew, Jack Roper. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Carlton Byrd of Plainview, Donice Nelms with husband William of Slaton, TX, Michelle Byrd with husband John Riojas of Lubbock, TX; her grandchildren, Bailey Nelms and Eric Rider; her great-grandchild, Rhys Noyd.