Earl Stevenson Byers was born in Happy Hill Gardens Community on Monday, October 10, 1938, in Winston-Salem, NC to Amos, Sr. and Eliza Smith Byers, who both preceded him in death. He was the nineth and youngest child of this union and was preceded in death by his siblings, Margaret Byers Bitting, Joella Byers Carpenter, Tecora Byers, Amos Byers, Jr, Juanita Byers, Naomi Byers Hooper, Ruth Byers, and Virginia Byers. In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Byers, and daughter, Angela Byers Haney, several nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Earnest Dubose. Earl went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Earl attended public schools in Winston-Salem and graduated from Atkins Senior High School. As a young adult, he married Wilhelmina Byers and from that union had 6 children, Bryan, Selenia, Cecilia, Calvin, Angela, and Timothy. He and his ex-wife remained friends until her death in 2018.
He married Patrecia Peoples Byers on June 20, 1996. She was his devoted wife for 27 years and caregiver during his health decline the past year. Her unwavering dedication to him and his care was a remarkable testament to her compassion and the love they had for each other.
Earl was a pillar of the community. There weren't many places that he couldn't go to that someone didn't recognize or know him. He was affectionately known as "2 Kool", "Mister Goodwill," and "CEO of Baptist Hospital". He retired from Goodwill Industries for the Blind and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. He was loved and admired by many for his kind smile and giving heart.
Earl always believed in family first and instilled this in each of his family members throughout the years. He encouraged all his family to get together not only for funerals but for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Earl taught each of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews the importance of God's work, forgiveness, and the value of family. He served as the Byers-Smith Family Reunion President for over 25 years. He provided countless donations to ensure all Byers-Smith Family Events were successful. He was truly a kind soul.
Earl was a community leader and volunteer with numerous recognitions for his volunteerism and service in his community of Happy Hill Gardens. He served as a member of the Advisors for Happy Hill Community Improvements, as a Key Steward of the NC Cultural & Historical Legacy Committee, and as a charter member of the Happy Hill Cemetery Friends. He assisted with the preservation and legacy of the Happy Hill Community and was instrumental in the preservation of land donated by Old Salem to Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church. In 2018, he received the NC Governor's Preservation Award, Winston-Salem Mayor's Award for Community Service, and the Forsyth County Volunteer Service Award. He was a beacon for his community and unselfishly served others in many ways such as prayer, money, and advice.
Earl attended Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church from a young age and dedicated his life to service of others. He was Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher for many years. He also served on the Deacon and Trustee Boards for over 30 years. He was a selfless leader who dedicated many hours weekly to administration, maintenance, and fiduciary responsibilities at his church. He loved Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church.
He leaves to cherish loving memories his wife, Patrecia Byers, of the home; two sons, Calvin Byers and a devoted son, Timothy Byers of the city; two daughters, Selenia Byers and Cecilia Byers of the city; six granddaughters, Krishanda Byers, Akela Byers, Janee' Gist, Tenisha Ingram, Cheyenne Byers of the city and Anisha Byers of Cary, NC; one grandson, Anthony Byers of the city; six great-grandchildren, Sav'ion Byers, Justyce Burgess, Jazariah Gist, Jeremiah Taylor, Simone Stewart, and Jiselle Hinton; three special nieces, Andrea Denise James, Joyce Major, and Gwendolyn Byers; three special nephews, Lynn Bitting, Donald Smith, and Rodney Byers; two goddaughters, Melissa Phibbs and Alecia Sampson and their children; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.
Special Thanks to the Health Professionals/Staff of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Trellis Care (Hospice), and Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church. A public viewing will be held Friday October 13, 2023 from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral service will be held Saturday October 14, 2023 at 11:00am from Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at 10:30am.Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.