Emma Weeks Byars

Graveside services for Emma Weeks Byars, 99, will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Quaker Cemetery in Camden, SC. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life of Kershaw County, 647 Lachicotte Road, Lugoff, SC 29078.

Emma died Saturday, April 10, 2021. The daughter of the late Lewis Bryant and Wilhelmina Hartzog Weeks, she was married to W. Robert Byars, Sr. for 63 years before his death in 2007.

Born in St. George, SC on Nov 23, 1921, Emma grew up on a small family farm near Reevesville. Emma and Robert raised 3 children. They lived in Barnwell, SC for many years, where Emma was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Emma and Robert moved from Barnwell to Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, West Columbia, in 2004, where she made many new friends and became involved in their many activities. The Still Hopes community became like family.

Emma was an accomplished fiber artist in several areas including needlework, quilting, crocheting, knitting and sewing. She freely shared her gifts and talents with all her friends and family. Known as “Mema” to her grandchildren, her indelible humor and grace shone persistently through good times and bad. As the reigning family Wii Bowling and Canasta champion, she deftly wielded an understated wit and trash talk to hilarious effect. She loved life, family, and friends, and never ceased to find a reason to smile.

Emma’s family gives their sincere gratitude and thanks to all the caretakers and staff of Still Hopes and Heart of Hospice, and a special thank you to Marie.

Surviving are her daughter, Linda B. McKenzie (John), of Pickens, SC; son, Richard L. Byars (Wendy), of Lexington, SC, daughter-in-law, Camille L. Byars, of Camden, SC; grandchildren, W. Robert Byars, III (Valerie), of Fort Mill, SC, Nathan W. Byars, of Simpsonville, SC, J. Rees Byars (Kim), of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Laura M. Letts (Charlie), of Ashland, OR, Colyn E. Terrapin (Brett), of Greenville, SC, J. Wes McKenzie (Gabby), of Peachtree Corners, GA, Anne Jenkins (Billy), of Clemson, SC; great grandchildren, Caroline Byars, W. R. “Liam” Byars IV, Chloe Byars, Jameson Byars, Chase Clark, Bella Clark, George Byars and Jack Byars; many nieces and nephews.

Emma was predeceased by her son, William R. Byars, Jr., her husband, her parents, five sisters, and a brother.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

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