Denise G. Byrd, 49, of Nederland, died Tuesday, November 29, 2011, at the University Medical Center in Austin.  Born December 27, 1961, in Port Arthur to Betty Elizabeth Ruth Wilkes and Raymond Maxmillion Gaudet, she was a lifelong resident of the area.  Denise enjoyed cooking, scrapbooking, fishing, work, and gatherings with family and friends. She was persistent, very loving and giving.   Denise is survived by her husband, Ricky Byrd of Nederland; son, Jared Keith Byrd and his wife, Marylyn of Beaumont ; grandson, Kaden Mitchell Byrd of Beaumont; brothers, Dannie Gaudet and his wife, Kathy of Port Arthur, David Gaudet and his wife, Linda of Port Neches, Dale Gaudet and his wife, Rachel of Nederland; sister, Debbie Coverdale and her husband, Charles of Vidor; and numerous nieces and nephews.    She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Mitchell Lee Byrd; and brother, Dwight Gaudet.  

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 3, 2011, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 211 Hardy Avenue, Nederland, with interment to follow at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.  A gathering of her family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 2, 2011, at Broussard’s, with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m.