“Don’t grieve for me, for now I am free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took God’s hand when I heard the call; I turned my back and left it all. If my parting has left a void, fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. For yes, these things, I too, will miss. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your head and share with me, God wanted me now, God set me free.”

Surrounded by love and family, Linda Faye Byerly (Lulu) was called home on the evening of September 4th after a brief battle with a chronic illness. She goes to be reunited with loved ones, carrying with her the memories of a beautiful life. Her family finds solace knowing she is once again in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and released from the darkness of her disease. She was 68 years young. She was a member of St. James the Less Catholic Church and dedicated her life to serving others and God.

Linda was vibrant and full of life. She had a heart of gold and loved helping everyone she encountered. She came from humble beginnings and strived to make a life for herself and her family. As a young woman, she worked multiple jobs while attending night classes to obtain a college degree. She was successful in her efforts and went on to obtain a Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) from Georgia Southern University and an Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree from Nova Southeastern University, which led to her 27-year career as an elementary school teacher. She loved her students as her own and made a positive impact on the lives of numerous children. She was recognized for excellence as the 2014 Teacher of the Year for Jacob G. Smith by SCCPSS and was a finalist in the 2014 Teacher of the Year for all of Chatham County.

After retirement, Linda started her favorite job as a grandparent. She was known by her grandkids as Lulu. She enjoyed spending time baking, crabbing, fishing, and being out on the water with the family. Amongst her other hobbies, were reading, completing puzzles, and working in the yard. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends, most of which were fellow teachers, having “choir practice”, dock days, book club, and riding in her Mustang listening to music with the top down.

Beloved daughter of the late Charles and Trellys (Chavis) Porterfield, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Porterfield. She is survived by her husband, William “Billy” Byerly, daughters Crystal (Kenny) Harvey of Savannah, GA and Amanda (Brian) Wiederhold of Savannah, GA. Linda’s legacy also includes three precious grandchildren, Ardyn Harvey, Olivia & Jackson Wiederhold. Survivors also include her brothers Harold (Carla) Porterfield, Timothy (Vonnie) Porterfield, sister, Nelda Schmitt and many devoted nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 09, 2025 from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with a rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 St. James the Less Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Greenwich Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and/or St. James the Less Catholic School.