Barbara J. Byrd (Chesser)

Barbara Chesser Byrd was born on January 14, 1938, to Howard and Nadine (Wilson) Chesser in Oklahoma City. She passed away on September 5, 2025.

Barbara grew up on a farm in the Mid-Del area. In 1956, Barbara was crowned the first Miss Del City. She was a member of the Mayfair Heights United Methodist Church, where she served on many committees. Barbara was a talented seamstress. She enjoyed sewing dresses with matching purses for young girls in need. In her free time, Barbara would volunteer at the Oklahoma Historical Society. She also made dresses, hats, and clothing that resembled the clothing worn during the territorial early statehood periods of Oklahoma. Barbara would dress in costume and tell stories of early Oklahoma. She also had a special talent for making delicious homemade pies. She became known as “The Pie Lady”. Barbara loved to read and enjoyed giving book reviews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Jim Schmidt, grandson Brenton Keel, brothers Ron, John, and Rick Chesser, sister Karen Eskew, and nephew Derek Chesser.

She is survived by daughter Donna (Terry) Keel and sister Dorothy Lyon.

Barbara had 3 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to nieces Sonya Roddy and Ronda Corbett, who cared for Barbara for the last four years. As well as special neighbor Chris McCray. Barbara also had 2 other nieces and 3 nephews.

A memorial service will be held on December 27, 2025, at 10:00 am at Corbett Funeral and Cremation, 807 W. Wilshire Blvd, OKC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oklahoma Historical Society, honoring Barbara Byrd and her commitment to preserving the rich history of our state.

In accordance with her wishes, Barbara has been cremated, and her urn will be laid to rest alongside her son James (Jimmy) and her brother Richard (Rick) at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Wheatland, Oklahoma.