Phyllis Byrd Blackman

Phyllis Byrd Blackman, 88, of Florence, South Carolina, and formerly of Hartsville, passed away on May 2, 2026 at McLeod Hospice House.

Born in Hartsville, South Carolina, she was the youngest child of the late David Clarence and Hyacinth McFarland Byrd.

Mrs. Blackman graduated from St. John’s High School in 1956 and from Coker College in 1959. She began her career in education as a teacher at Ashwood Central School, where she was highly regarded by her students and colleagues. After a period devoted to her family, she returned to her studies and earned a Master of Accounting from Francis Marion University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Blackman enjoyed an active and engaged life. She and her husband were avid tennis players and participated in numerous tournaments. She liked shopping, valued time with friends, and was famous for her lemon meringue pie. In 1996, she was honored to serve as a torchbearer for the Atlanta Olympic Games. Phyllis and her family were members of First Baptist Church, Hartsville, previously a member of Swift Creek Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ned Jeryl Blackman and by her sisters, Ruth Byrd Galloway and Jean Byrd Smoak.

She is survived by her daughters Lacie Blackman, Rambel Blackman Winstead (and Lindsay), as well as her granddaughters, Tori, Marla, Ashleigh and Alyssa Shelley; and she also leaves behind one great-granddaughter.

A private service will be held. Interment will be beside her husband.