Survivors include one sister, Beverly Burton Linn of St. Maries, ID; one step-son, Don Byrd and wife Linda of Clarksville; one step-daughter, Evelyn Byrd Jeffers and husband Bill of Hampton; her grandchildren, Vickie Norris and husband Sam of Monticello, Laura Akin Strickland and husband Paul of Benton, Melissa Haisty Johnston and husband Mitchell of Little Rock; Carrie Akin Williams and husband, Chris of Bryant, Jon Byrd of Burleson, TX, Leanne Colvin of Russellville and Jason Jeffers of Hampton; great-grandchildren, Ashley Tiner Weast and husband Chris of Monticello, Katie and Chloe Strickland of Benton, Andrew, AnnaKay and Brooks Johnston of Little Rock, Ella and Cole Williams of Bryant and Hannah Colvin of Russellville; great-great granddaughter, Anniston Weast of Monticello; one daughter-in-law, Belinda Akin of Monticello and one son-in law, Barry Haisty of Monticello and other loved ones and friends.
Also preceding her in death were her husbands, Floyd Akin and Benson Byrd; one daughter, Barbara Akin Haisty and one son, Jerry Don Akin and three brothers, Ronald, Reginald and Bobby Ray Burton.
Geneva worked at Commercial Bank for twenty years. After retiring, she continued working for the bank as the coordinator for the travel club for an additional seven years. She was proud to have had the opportunity to visit all the continental states with the exception of Wisconsin and of visiting Hawaii on four separate occasions. She was an active member of the Drew Memorial Hospital and served as treasurer for ten years. She and her husband Benson were recognized as Billie Boosters because of their strong support to the athletic program of the Monticello School District. Her greatest delight in life was her family, her friends and her flowers. Throughout her long illness, a smile was always on her face and she continued to touch the lives of others.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial in Union Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour preceding the service at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(14)
Judy and Butch Selig
Benton, AR Sunday, September 18, 2016 We have fond memories of this sweet lady when she worked at the bank.She will be missed by all who knew her. May God bless and comfort your family at this time.
Meg Johnston
, AR Friday, September 16, 2016 I am so sorry for your loss - my thoughts and prayers are with you.Marijo Miles
Springfield, MO Thursday, September 15, 2016 She was a very special lady and was loved by everyone who knew her.Kaytlin Cruce
Rye, AR Thursday, September 15, 2016 Mrs. Vickie and Ashley, you are in my prayers! I am sorry for your loss.Meryl
Durham, NC Thursday, September 15, 2016 Please allow me to offer my condolences regarding, Mrs. Geneva, with these comforting words: "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also, he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” - Rev. 21:3-5. This is the hope of the resurrection. I am very sorry for your loss. May God's Word comfort you and your family. Sincerely, MerylBeverly Linn
St. Maries, ID Thursday, September 15, 2016 Rest in peace my sweet sister. I have so many good memories of our times together. You were always in my thoughts and prayers. I loved you and will miss you.Cherie Brown
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 15, 2016 My thoughts and prayers are with you!Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, September 15, 2016 What a sweet lady your mother! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort in your sorrow.With love & sympathy,
Janice
MARK L. HAYNES
MONTICELLO, AR Thursday, September 15, 2016 PRAYERS FOR ALL OF MRS GENEVA'S FAMILY. I KNEW HER WHEN SHE WAS A DOOR GREETER AT WAL-MART- VERY SWEET AND CARING LADY WITH A BIG SMILE. HAVE BEEN TO HER AND BENSON'S HOME WHEN THEY MOVED TO THE HOUSE ON COLLEGE STREET- VERY FRIENDLY AND KIND PEOPLE.linda funderburg
, AR Thursday, September 15, 2016 prayers for the byrd familyGloria Ryburn
monticello, AR Thursday, September 15, 2016 To the family so very sorry for your loss. Geneva was a such a blessing to all that new her .I worked with her at CB&T and she always had a warm smile to everyone I never heard her speak bad of anyone,I had seen her at nursing home and she always had a smile,loved her!Gloria RyburnJames & Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Wednesday, September 14, 2016 She was a great lady and will be missed with fond memories. Deepest sympathy to the family.Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 14, 2016 I have fond memories of this kind lady back to my childhood. I never saw her without a smile. My sympathy is extended to all her family at this difficult time.Jimmy Akin
Tallahassee, FL Wednesday, September 14, 2016 Aunt Geneva was always very special to our family. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was very much appreciated. I will always remember her warm smile and kinds words for everyone.