Jerry Rogers Byrum, 74, passed away peacefully with family, in the home he built, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 after a brief but brave battle with cancer. Jerry, known as "Pokey" to his friends and family, was born on January 21, 1949 and was raised in the Greens Cross community by his grandmother, Emo Jernigan.

Throughout his life, he served his community as an educator, carpenter, and as an active leader in his beloved church. He worked in vocational education and administration in both Bertie and Washington Counties for 37 years. Self-taught out of necessity as a young man, his abiding passion outside of his family was woodworking. He was known as a trusted carpenter for handicap ramps and other small repairs, especially for widows in the community. Over the years, he also used this skill to build custom furniture and artisan wood crafts.  As one friend put it, "if I could describe it or draw it, Pokey could pretty much build it."

Pokey was predeceased by his mother Delanders "Dee" Alkio, his grandmother, Emo Jernigan, and his brother, Bobby Byrum. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kaye Mizell Byrum; his children, Holley (John) Nichols and Justin Byrum; grandchildren, Annabelle, and Locke Nichols; as well as several nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held Friday, January 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Greens Cross Baptist Church. The visitation will be from 6:00-7:30 PM Thursday, January 11th at Walker Funeral Home in Windsor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Greens Cross Baptist Church, 436 US 17 North, Windsor, NC 27983.

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home of Windsor is serving the Byrum family.