Mother Mable "Momma Mable" Byrd

Life and Legacy of Mable Byrd

Her Children arise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that fear the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31: 28;30.

“Momma Mable”

Thank you, Lord God, for creating your beautiful daughter, Mable Evelena Chapman Byrd, affectionately known as “Momma Mable”. Mother Byrd was given to her parents, Horace Chapman and Mable Willery Evelyn Best Chapman on April 16, 1933, in New Bern, North Carolina. With deep love and gratitude for a well-lived life, and a devoted servant of the Lord, Mother Byrd entered eternal rest on November 4, 2025, at the age of 92 years old. “Glory to God”

Mother Byrd graduated at St. Joseph Academy Catholic Schoolin New Bern North Carolina, and later attended Brooklyn Business College, for Business Administration, in Brooklyn, New York. On January 5, 1958, she married the love of her life, who she affectionately called, “Chubby”, and later residing inother states within the United States with her “Chubby”. In the year 1969, Mother Byrd and Ennie landed in Michigan City, Indiana, where they both began a life of memories. 

Mother Byrd remained at home for several years providing care for her family and later venturing out in the workforce and working at Carson Piere Scott part-time and St. Anthony Hospital aka Franciscan Alliance retiring after 40 years of labor as a Central Service Technician. 

She devoted her life, serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and served in the ministry as a Usher under the later Pastor Robert Shipp, and Pastor Eddie L Jenkins at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and later serving as a mother at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Temple Worship Center as Pastor Ronald Gaston being her Pastor under Watch Care. 

Mother Byrd would spend some of her free time by volunteering at the at the meal ministry at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, purchasing and passing out candies to the less fortunate and sharing meals. Also, hosting Prayer Band in her home while breaking bread with her sisters in Christ. Also, Mother Byrd became a full-time grandmother by providing care for some of her grandchildren until they were school age and were able to verbally express themselves. Mother Byrd was known as “Momma Mable by the neighborhood youths who loved to spend time with “Momma Mable on the front porch while enjoying popsicles, candy and lemonade. 

Mother Mable was known for her smiles, compassion, love and giving and her verbally expressing to many, “I love you”, “You’re Pretty”, When you gonna come and see me”, and “Give it to the Lord.” Her life was a living testimony of God’s grace. She was known for her unwavering prayer life, her gentle spirit, and her willingness to help anyone in need. Whether a warm meal, kind word, heartfelt prayer, she touched countless lives with the love of Christ. 

Mother Mable Byrd is survived by her loving daughters; Donna Darlene Maduko (South Field Michigan), Shari Byrd (Norfolk Virginia), Jackqueline Byrd Jones (Michigan City, Indiana), and Trina Byrd (Portage, Indiana) and Son in Love Elder David Cooper Sr., (Columbus Georgia). Also, Mable leaves her devoted brother Horace Chapman who she loved and spoiled dearly. 

Her legacy will continue through her grandchildren, Earl Chadwick, Natisha Harper, Maurice Byrd, Tiffani Ward-Shird, David Cooper Jr., Daniel Cooper, Diamonique Whetstone, Mario Ward, Kaleek Biggers, Alantiaza Biggers, and Altavion(Tank)Biggers. Eight- Great Grand Children and one – great -Great Grandson. 

She leaves to cherish her best friend Queenie Cotton (Detroit Michigan), a special daughter Queen Ester Long, and a devoted-dear Sister- Challise Randall, who provided exceptional care for Mother Mable over 10 years, and a special niece Pheon Wilson. Also, she leaves to cherish her beloved furry best friend “Royalty” and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Mother Byrd was preceded in death by her husband Ennie Byrd, daughters, Carol Cooper and Renie Byrd, parents, Horace and Mable Best Chapman and step-mother Viola Chapman, one grand-son, father in love, Clarence Byrd, siblings, Robbie Chapman, Irene Chapman, Bobby Chapman, and Elizabeth Dalton, niece Harvesha, Sister and Aunt In Loves: Ethel Long, Sophie Byrd, Dorthy Pearson, Barbara Brown, Lena Byrd, Dorthy, Minnie and Richard Byrd. Friends, Agnes Fry, Rose Lockridge, Virginia Starks, Bobbie Martin, Joyce Gaston,Alberta Frasure and Louise Bradley. 

Her gentle spirit, warmth, faith, love, prayer life, and compassion will be missed and cherished by all that knew her. 

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 AT 11:00AM, NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 730 W 6TH ST. MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA 46360 WITH PASTOR RON GASTON TO BE EULOGIST, AND PASTOR JACARRA M. WILLIAMS TO BE OFFICIANT. VIEWING WILL BE 10AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE AT THE CHURCH.

INTERMENT WILL BE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2025 AT 11:00AM, SWAN LAKE MEMORIAL GARDENS 5400 W HWY US 20 MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA 46360. 

PLEASE BE SO KIND TO VISIT OUR TRIBUTE WALL ON HERE TO LEAVE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OR LIGHT A CANDLE IN HER HONOR. PLEASE ALSO KEEP THE FAMILY IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. 

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