Mrs. Minnie Byrd Jones Funchess of Winston-Salem, NC departed this life on Monday June 20, 2022, at Trellis Supportive Care in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Mrs. Funchess was born on December 10, 1952, in Branchville SC, and was the daughter of the late Habart Byrd and Ruth Summers Byrd.  At an early age she joined St. Stephen Baptist Church where she was a devoted and an active member for many years. During her early years she faithfully served on the Church Choir, Usher Board, Pastor's Aid Board, and the Missionary. After relocating to Winston-Salem, NC in 2002, she regularly attended Brooks Temple United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, NC.

Mrs. Funchess graduated from Branchville High School in Branchville, SC and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in Orangeburg, SC. She also received a B.S. degree in Business Administration (Management) in 2000, from South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC and a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Winston-Salem State University, Winston- Salem, NC.

After retirement from South Carolina State University as an Administrative Specialist in 2002, she worked at Winston-Salem State University as an Administrative Assistant until 2006. She then performed as Vice President and Supervisor to her late husband's business, C. F. Marketing, LLC, (CFM) in Lexington, NC until 2018.  C. F Marketing was a network provider, servicing community and employment services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Minnie was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie (Charles) Funchess.

She was one of seven children, preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Byrd Peeples and Irene Byrd Clark.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her devoted, loving and caring daughters, Michele S. Jones and Kendra L. Jones of Winston-Salem, NC; two stepdaughters, Alexandra D. Funches and Monique M. Funches of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Dorothy Byrd Cruel and Jacqueline Byrd of Orangeburg; two brothers, Samuel (Rudine) Byrd of Branchville and Horace (Bessie) Byrd of Orangeburg; an exceptional niece, Shanice Byrd of Orangeburg SC; two god children, twins Luke and Asa Deluca of Newark, DE;  two brothers-in-law, Clarence (Mary) Funches, Winston-Salem, NC and Adolph Funches, Newark, DE; three sisters-in-law, Ella (JR) Grier, Albany, GA, Vernell English, Bridgeport, CT and Mable Funches of Williamstown, NJ; a host nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She will be remembered by her kind heart, contagious smile, and resilience.