Willie Byrd Wilson was born on January 19, 1929 in Muskogee County to Johna and Edna Wilson. He received his education in Muskogee Public Schools and later, joined Historic First Baptist Church in Fort Gibson, where he was baptized by Reverend Mark Williams.

To his family, he was loving and faithful and strove to make them comfortable and happy. As long as Brother Byrd was able, he delighted in going to church and rejoiced when he heard the gospel preached. Whenever he could, he attended church with his wife and grandson, Glenn.

He lived a peaceful and useful life and was always ready to help anyone in need. He was not selfish and felt he needed "an help-mate", so he married Elise Pettit Mayfield. This union was blessed with 6 children.

This laborious, devoted, trusted and faithful man finished his journey after 77 years on April 19, 2006 at 5:20 AM from Muskogee Regional Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and a daughter. He leaves beautiful memories with his devoted wife, Elise; a son, Charles & wife Glenda Mayfield; four daughters, Wonda & Vernon McDowell, Janice & Danny Wilson, Sandra & Joe Wilson and Carnita Mayfield; a brother, O. Z. Wilson; a sister, Annie L. Hale; along with 14 grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

The homegoing celebration on Monday, April 24, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. in the Historic First Baptist Church of Fort Gibson. Pastor Marcus Burkhalter, Officiant. Burial following in Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.