Ernestine Margaret Byerly

Ernestine M. Byerly, age 89, of Youngstown, Florida, and formerly of Beaumont, Texas, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at her home with her family by her side.  Ernestine was born in Beaumont on March 10, 1933, to the late Flora Myers Benedict Crabtree and Harold G. Benedict.  She graduated from Beaumont High School in 1952 and was married to the late Dalton R. Byerly for 69 years.  Dalton passed away in September of last year.

Although she worked differing jobs here and there, Ernestine was primarily an excellent homemaker for most of her life.  She was a member of the Red Hat Club in Beaumont.  In her younger years, she was in the Melody Maids, an all-girls choral group that traveled around the world to military bases in order to entertain the troops.  She was a member of the Youngstown Campus of First Baptist Church of Panama City, Florida, where she served her LORD in every way possible.

Ernestine loved surrounding herself with animals. She enjoyed singing, cooking and did all kinds of craft work including painting (an incredible artist), pottery, floral design (creative designer), and sewing. She also enjoyed playing golf and watching football with her husband, family, and friends (boasting a hole-in-one at the height of her game). Her biggest joy in life came from caregiving.  She gave her heart fully to her family and friends and would selflessly help others through loss and difficult times.

Survivors include two daughters, Tracy McLendon and husband, Joe, of Youngstown and Jessica Byerly of Houston, Texas.  Five Grandchildren; Jacob McLendon and Justin McLendon, both of Youngstown, Joanna Olson and husband, Nathanial, of Nome, Alaska, Jaclyn Costanzo and husband, Joe, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Dr. Jordan McLendon of Portland, Oregon. 12 Great-Grandchildren, Nathan, Shelby, Alexis, Isabella, Sadie, Mabel, David, Elinor, Ruby, Madeleine, Joseph Jr. (JoJo), and William.  She also has many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

A gathering of Mrs. Byerly’s family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Village Mills Cemetery, Village Mills. Flowers are accepted or you may donate to the charity of your choice.