Rosemary was born to Banford Floyd and Lona Gladys Byrd at their home in Syracuse IN. Rosemary had five other siblings, Dolores, Jaunita, Jean, Helen and Bernard. During her younger years she moved to Chrisman, Il. where she still lives to this day. Rosemary has never married and never had any children. She states she is the last Byrd to leave the nest.
Rosemary attended the Chrisman Nazarene Church in Chrisman, IL. where she taught the second grade Sunday School Class.
Rosemary graduated from a small 2 room school called Cherry Point School located south of Chrisman Il. Rosemary first worked as a Nanny for 2 sets of twins. She fondly recalls their names Sammy and Sandra, and Dick and Darlene. After working as a Nanny, Rosemary started working at the Children’s Home in Danville, Il. where she stayed full time and the kids all called her Mama Byrd. She then transferred to the Children’s Home in Paris, Il. and enjoyed her time there the best because of the children. After working at the second Children’s Home location, Rosemary then began working at the television factory Zenith until it’s closing in 1984.
Rosemary stated that the one major event that has happened in her lifetime was the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She states that the difference between the younger generation today and her generation is that all the kids from grade school to high school spoke to one another and that they all got along well.
Rosemary hobbies today include reading her Bible daily, working on word search books and visiting with staff and peers.
I asked Rosemary what advice she has for our younger generation she states “Mind your parents, check who you run around with and check who you marry!”