Helen Darneda Byrd-Redding was born on July 2, 1937, in Melbourne, Florida. She was the 14th child of 15 born to Mrs. Queen Esther Byrd and Reverend Willie Lee Byrd. She suddenly departed this life on June 7, 2023, at the age of 85.

To mourn her passing, she leaves behind 3 surviving children: 2 daughters, Valerie Redding (Michael Cunningham) and Cheryl Noel, and son Daryl Redding; 1 surviving brother Rev. James Byrd, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be remembered by all of her family and friends.

Helen grew up in Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Melbourne, Florida where she served as a choir member and Sunday School teacher.

She was educated at Melbourne Vocational High School. She played the clarinet in the school band. She later attended a vocational school where she earned a Licensed Vocational Nursing diploma.

She had a passion for her family and gathered countless cards, holiday mementos and photos. Sharing them with others gave her great joy. When it was necessary, she was excellent at improvising:

No cereal for breakfast? No problem! Instead, she served a banana or two in a bowl of milk and sugar. No meat for dinner? No problem! Instead, she made pancakes from scratch and scrambled eggs if we had any. No syrup? No problem! Instead, she served jelly. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw her children loved her improvised meals. I'm sure you all can come up with some mom-improvisation stories of your own.

Helen, we will never forget you because your memory will always survive. We will hold treasured moments of you deep within our hearts. Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we will miss you until we meet again.