A joyous milestone turned tragic for a North Carolina family when Jean Byrd, a Black mother from Winston-Salem, collapsed from cardiac arrest just moments before she could see her daughter, Meilean, graduate from Parkland High School.
According to WXII 12, Byrd was walking through the parking lot toward the graduation venue when she suddenly collapsed.
Her sister immediately contacted Byrd’s son, Marquan Matthews, who was already inside waiting for the ceremony to begin. A security guard rushed Marquan to the scene on a golf cart, where he began performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
Despite emergency efforts, Byrd was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
A Safe Haven for So Many
Byrd had a long history of heart issues and had survived two previous heart attacks. Still, her family described her as joyful, energetic, and compassionate—a matriarch who touched the lives of many in her community.
“She was a safe haven for so many children,” her son Marquan shared.
Originally from Philadelphia, the family hopes to lay her to rest there. A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral costs has raised more than $11,000 so far.
A Graduation Marked by Grief
Unaware of the tragedy unfolding outside, Meilean walked across the stage and proudly received her diploma.
After the ceremony, a guidance counselor discreetly pulled her aside and took her to the hospital, where she learned of her mother’s passing.
The tragic timing of Byrd’s death has struck a chord with many in the community, highlighting the emotional toll of losing a loved one at a life-changing moment.
