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Dec. 17, 1926 – Oct. 30, 2024

NATCHEZ – Wessye Byrd Heard – The world lost a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend to many on Oct. 30, 2024. Wessye died with her son, Sammy Gore, and wife, Carla by her side in Natchez.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Joan Gandy officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church.

Wessye was born on Dec. 17, 1926, in Meadville, MS. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward Hardy Byrd and Marlin Nerisa Townsend; her siblings, Edward Byrd, Jeanette Pruett, Peggy Crawford, and Jerry Bryd. She also was predeceased by her husbands, Samuel P. Gore, Oak Duke, Walter Heard, and her beloved nieces, Poppy Pruett and Prissy Parker Hobson.

Wessye was a devoted mother to Sammy and affectionally known as “Mamaw” to her three grandchildren, Fleming Gore Havard, Payton Gore, and Liza Gore, and her great-grandchildren, Jon Todd Mulvihill, Sallie T. Stout, Lalie Havard, and George Lawrence Brumfield. She is survived by her step-children, Doug Duke, Mel Duke Ford, Phebe Winters, Walt Heard, and David Heard.

Wessye is also survived by a host of loving relatives and friends, but she had two special relatives in her life, Mel Duke Ford, who was like her own, and Fred Parker, a nephew who was always there for her.

Most everyone fondly remembers Wessye working at the City Bank and Trust Company on Franklin Street for many years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club.

Sammy’s Natchez High School Class of 65 will always remember her as being at sporting events and being a second “Mom” to many. She was their cheerleader, confidante, and occasional partner-in-mischief. Wessye had the unique ability to brighten even the gloomiest of days. She will be forever loved!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church, Natchez, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.