Virginia Gail (Skinner) Byrd, 75, a resident of Staunton, VA, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born September 25, 1946 in Waynesboro, VA, daughter of the late Clifton and Annie (Carter) Skinner.

After attending business college, she worked as a secretary for State Farm Insurance, Ladd Elementary School, and the Augusta County Government Center.

Gail loved thrift store shopping, camping, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a longtime member of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church. Along with Ellen A rey and Betsy C oleman, she was a member of the " ABC " Girls, a group that shared fellowship with shut-in church members. As a faithful member of the church, she also will be remembered for her card ministry. Gail was a breast cancer survivor, and would always place a yellow smiley face with her correspondence.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Elwood B. Byrd; and brother-in-law, Paul Langley.

Surviving are her son, Darrell Byrd of Waynesboro; daughter, Denise Merica and her husband Jesse of Bridgeport, WV; 4 grandchildren, Andrew May and Ashley Byrd, John and Payton Merica; sister, Judy Langley of Lyndhurst, VA; and her faithful canine companion, Scarlett.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Saturday, June 25, 2022 at McDow Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, officiated by Pastor Patrick Ryan. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Chris Branham, Matt Booze, Wendell Coleman, J.R. Fitzgerald, Andrew May, Jesse Merica, John Merica, and Jesse Painter.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund.