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The Muhammad Ali Parkinson's Center at Barrow is the most comprehensive center of its kind in the nation, offering care and support services to patients and their families while conducting research into new treatments for their disease.
Anna Hodges-Byrd, whose life exemplified the power of faith, education, and service to others, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Durham, North Carolina. Born on September 20, 1944, in Hazelhurst, Mississippi to Tom C. Hodge and Katie Bell Young, Anna was one of sixteen children whose journey was marked by determination and unwavering spirit.
At sixteen, following her own mother's passing, Anna moved to Chicago to continue her education at Hyde Park High School. There, she met Herman Byrd, a skilled brick mason from Memphis, beginning a partnership that would lead them west to San Francisco and ultimately to Reno, Nevada in 1968. Their union was blessed with two children, Arvelis and Ali Kenyatta, and created a close-knit family that grew when Anna's sisters, Velma Jean and Shirley Ann, joined them in Reno.
After a successful 20-year career as a Keno specialist at various establishments, including Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Anna pursued her lifelong dream of higher education. While working and raising her family, she earned her Associate Degree from Truckee Meadows Community College. In 1998, in a special and unique moment of family achievement, Anna graduated from the University of Nevada with a Bachelor's in Social Work and minor in Criminal Justice alongside her daughter Arvelis, who walked the commencement stage at the same time.
Anna's professional life was dedicated to serving others, particularly through her work with the Community Service Agency's Head Start program. For over a decade, she helped countless families access essential resources, making a profound difference in her community. Her commitment to service was matched by her deep Christian faith. As a founding member of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Sparks, Nevada under the leadership of Pastor Rev. Johnny T. Collins, she touched many hearts as a choir member and soloist with her moving rendition of "Lord Don't Move the Mountain."
In 2008, Anna retired and relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, to be near her daughter and first grandchild, Ana, who was named in her honor. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2010, Anna maintained an active life, participating in various activities at Five Points Center for Active Adults and making cherished visits to Brooklyn, New York to spend time with her son Ali, his wife Carolyn, and her granddaughters Aliya, Ava, and Alexa.
Anna faced her 15-year Parkinson’s battle with exemplary strength and unwavering faith. She was a devoted member of Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and found joy in the sisterhood of the Red Hat Society's “Raleigh Reds”. Her life was a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of family bonds, and the impact of serving others.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Bennie Gilmore, Beatrice Gilmore, Charlie Gilmore, Velma Jones, Jimmie Hodges, and Shirley Galloway.
Anna is survived by her beloved husband Herman Byrd, children Arvelis Byrd and Ali Byrd (Carolyn), four beloved grandchildren, one great grandson (March 2025), her grandson-in-law (DeShawn Jones) and her siblings Ardella Demyers, Tommie Cynthia Hodge-Sykes, Sharon Hodge, Katherine Theresa Hodge White, Robert Young, Walter Hodges (Kimberly), Jerry Hodges, Mark Hodge, and Roderick Hodge; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including her loving caregiver, Tressa Herring.
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