Marilyn Dell Lambert Byrd (more affectionately referred to as "Nanny"), 83, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024, at her home in Slidell.

Marilyn was born August 24, 1940, in Muleshoe, Texas, to Ilger and Opal Lambert.  She was so proud of her West Texas heritage and loved sharing stories about life in the Texas Panhandle.

In 1957, she married William H. Byrd, Jr. of Amarillo, Texas.  Having moved to a number of locations over the years, they landed in Slidell in 1974.

In her life, Marilyn lived for serving Christ, and followed his Word impeccably in John 13:15 in then serving others.  To her husband and sons, and (or what she would say, "even more importantly") to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Her home was always a place of warmth and comfort to all who entered.  No matter the day or time, she would be ready to welcome anyone in with a hot meal, a warm bed, her beautiful piano playing, and her peaceful presence and love.  She's hosted many friends and family over the years in her home and loved doing so.

She loved traveling the country to see family and friends.  She was strolling the streets, driving long distances, and flying cross-country all her life.  She also loved to go shopping and stay connected with friends and family from all over through Facebook.  She loved Facebook! She never slowed down, never stopped.

She believed her greatest work in life was in the impact that her love and service had in her time with her grands and great grands.  She was a "rock n' roll Nanny" and lived for her time with them.  She spent her days playing with and caring for them for the last 36 years, even into her very last day on this Earth.

Marilyn was a member of First Baptist Church in Slidell.  She loved Jesus, repented from sin, and had a steadfast faith always.  She prayed daily for the salvation of all her friends and family. It would be her hope to know that all who read this know the goodness of God and have a relationship with our Lord and savior.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, William "Bill" Byrd; her parents, Ilger and Opal Lambert; two brothers, Ernest Lambert, Raymond Lambert; sisters, Doris Stanford, Evelyn Fry, Beatrice Holt, Melba Richards and Joyce Faye Lambert.

Marilyn is survived by three sons, Michael "Mike" Byrd, Mark Byrd (Sandy), Gregory Byrd (Ann); five grandchildren, Jessica Thibodeaux (Adam), Morgan Sanders (Nicholas "Nick"), Melanie Rudolph (Zack), Garrett Byrd (Ashley), Miranda Neyland (Adam "Mac"); eight great-grandchildren, Emerson "Emmy" Sanders, Beckham Berkowitz, Sawyer Sanders, Maren Thibodeaux, Maverick Neyland, Luke Sanders, William Rudolph, Parker Byrd; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd West, Slidell LA 70460 on Monday, February 19, 2024.

Visitation will begin at 11:00am followed by the funeral service at 1:00pm.

Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Slidell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the First Baptist Church of Slidell's Food Pantry Ministry, as this was a cause near and dear to her heart at fbcslidell.org.