Elizabeth Sheffield Byars

Elizabeth Sheffield Byars lost her life on September 15, 2017 in an attempt to be the first woman to jump the Marble Canyon on her jet-enabled motorcycle. The attempt on September 15, 2017 failed when the newly installed jets lost power, dropping bike and rider to the bottom of the canyon. She was 91. This story is not to be believed. Elizabeth (Libba, Lib, Libby) grew up in Calhoun City, Mississippi, the daughter of Ernest and Myrtle Burleson Sheffield. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State College for Women (later Miss. University for Women) and a Master of Science degree from Syracuse University. She worked for the USDA, General Electric Company, and was on the faculty of Kentucky Wesleyan College, thus covering the fields of government, corporate, and academia. Always interested in good government, she was a long-time member of The League of Woman Voters, and twice served as a local League president. She also served on the Finance Committee of Sudbury, MA and on the Financial Advisory Committee of Burnsville, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, William Frank Byars. She is survived by her son, Frederick Byars and his wife, Teresa. Also by one brother, Charles Sheffield and his wife, Bobbie, and a brother-in-law, Larry Byars, and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Elizabeth’s life will be held Friday, October 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Fairhope United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Fairhope United Methodist Church, Shepard’s Place, 155 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL 36532.     ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEWFUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.19698 GREENO RD.FAIRHOPE, AL 36532251-990-7775