Juanita "Deanie" Wydeen Byars, 61, entered into eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on January 11, 2024, at her residence in Prosperity, South Carolina.

She was born on November 3, 1962, in Union, South Carolina, she was a daughter to Mr. Sanford Ray Jones and the late Mrs. Doris Mae Smith Jones.

Deanie was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of God for over twenty- two years and attended Newberry House of God. A church she was proud to help start. She was always about her Lord and Savior, and she leaves behind a legacy. She penned many journals, known as her "Prayer Journals", which she loved to write in and keep; often going back and reflecting upon once her prayers were answered. Deanie always made time for others and gave a tremendous amount of devotion and depth to God. She would listen to those who needed prayer and would intercede for their needs. She was known at her church and those close to her to be a "Prayer Warrior". She led prayer walks down the streets of Newberry interceding for the community.

Under her love and dedication to God, family was the utmost importance in her life. She was a pillar of love, patience, empathy and experience. She was a devoted wife to her childhood sweetheart, a proud mother and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Deanie also loved spending time with her Dad; whom was her best friend and she loved dearly, as well as her grandchildren. She would often enjoy working in her garden and had a fond appreciation for God's creation. She delighted in seeing snow fall even if it was just a small flurry. She found value in the little things. Spending time in the mountains and camping at the beach were another one of her many favorite past times.

In addition to her father, Ray Jones, Deanie is survived by: her husband of forty- three years, William "Willie" Conrad Byars, Jr.; her daughters, Chasity Hamilton (Richard) and Kendrall Taylor; her grandchildren, Faith Swift, Hunter Taylor (Mikayla), Zechary Taylor, Meredith Taylor, Ricky Hamilton, Jeremiah Taylor and Josiah Hamilton; great-grandchild, Easton Taylor and a special bonus granddaughter, Khaleesi Walker. She is also survived by her sisters, Sybil Smith, Nicki Guy (Ricky), Vickie Gregory, Kristi Lawter and Laurie Abrams; a sister-in-law, Tammy Jones; special nephews, Levi Lawter, Joe Lawter, David Jones and several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother, she is preceded in death by her brother, Terry Jones.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM, Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Newberry House of God, 3288 College Street, Newberry, South Carolina.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation, from 2:00 until 3:00 PM, prior to the service at the church.

Memorials can be made to: The Children's Ministry at Newberry House of God, 3288 College Street, Newberry, SC, 29108.

Memories may be left on Mrs. Byars' tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Byars' family.