Nellie H. Byham

Nellie H. Byham, 93, of South Williamsport passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at home while surrounded by her immediate family. Born May 11, 1931 in Williamsport, she was the daughter of the late Robert M. and Bessie (Hammer) Swartz.  On October 24, 1953, Nellie married her true love, the late William E. “Buck” Byham who preceded her in death on May 30, 2017.

Nellie's journey through life was marked by her commitment to learning and growth. She pursued her passion for education at Bloomsburg University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. This was only the beginning of a lifelong vocation that saw her shaping young minds as a beloved kindergarten teacher at South Williamsport School District. For 31 years, she poured her heart into her work, until her retirement in 1994. After retirement, she continued reading and mentoring school children at Jackson Elementary’s STARS program. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as she actively participated in her community and was a faithful member of Messiah Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Throughout her life, Nellie also volunteered in Meals on Wheels delivery and audio reading at North Central Sight Services. She participated in United Way events and served as a prize judge in the annual Mummers Day Parade. She was an avid reader and was able to express herself through ceramics and gardening as she cultivated beauty in the flower beds around her home. Nellie's love for bowling and swimming kept her active and connected with friends who shared her enthusiasm. She was a fan of the television show NCIS, and could even set her internal sleeping clock to wake her so she didn’t miss an episode. With each season, Nellie transformed her home into a celebration, making every holiday and change of season a special occasion. Yet, it was the time spent with family and friends that truly brought joy to Nellie's heart. Her home was a place of warmth and laughter, a haven where loved ones gathered and memories were made.

She is survived by their two children, Robert Byham (Cathy) of Linden, and Kathleen Boyle (Mitchell) of Dade City, FL; five grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grammy”, Culley Byham (Matt), Ed Boyle, Matt Boyle (Chelsea), Annie Byham, and Benjamin Byham and two great-grandchildren, Caroline Ann Boyle and Eleanor Grace Boyle. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory two nephews, Danny Swartz (Meg) and Dave Swartz (Martha), and sister-in-law Elaine Swartz.

Along with her parents and husband, Nellie was also preceded in death by her brother, John Swartz and niece Diane Swartz.

A memorial service to honor Nellie’s life will be held 10 a.m. on Monday October 28, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 324 S. Howard St., South Williamsport.  A private interment will be held in Montoursville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Susquehanna Health Foundation, c/o Susquehanna Home Care and Hospice, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701, and/or Messiah Lutheran Church, 324 S. Howard St., South Williamsport, PA 17702.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nellie H. Byham, please visit our floral store.