Mayor Fleta Byrd, Longtime Wilson’s Mills Public Servant, Dies At 77

WILSON’S MILLS, N.C. – Wilson’s Mills Mayor Fleta Byrd, a longtime community leader who had been involved with the town since its incorporation, died Sunday, Aug. 16. She was 77.

Byrd passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family, according to her obituary.

Her involvement with Wilson’s Mills stretched back to the town’s incorporation in 1996. Over the years, she volunteered with recreation programs, community activities and town events before moving into formal roles with the municipal government.

Byrd served as the town’s part-time planning director from 2006 until 2012. She was elected to the Wilson’s Mills Town Council and served from 2013 to 2017.

In 2021, Byrd became mayor of Wilson’s Mills, a position she held until her death.

Her service to the community also extended beyond town government.

Byrd was a member of Wilson’s Mills Advent Christian Church for 60 years and served the congregation in numerous roles, including Sunday school teacher, youth director, trustee, treasurer and pastor.

Born June 21, 1949, Byrd was the daughter of the late Thomas Benton Austin and Flora Mae Austin.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Donald Byrd; daughters Donnita Jones and Amanda Jones; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild; her brother, Larry Austin of Knightdale; her sister, Margaret Baker of Four Oaks; and several nieces and nephews.

Byrd’s family asked that memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, be made to Wilson’s Mills Advent Christian Church or the Community Outreach Resource Team, known as CORT.