Colleen Joy Byrne, 80, of Tallmadge, passed away May 8, 2018. Joy was born in Elizabeth, West Virginia on September 17, 1937 to the late Audie and Bertie Little in an unnamed holler not far from the Ohio line. She was raised in poverty with six brothers and a sister until each of them climbed their way out by the age of 16. The family listened to a battery operated radio for one hour a day to Lowell Thomas and the news, sometimes they were allowed to extend the hour to listen to Amos and Andy. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and gardening, shopping and spending time with family. She treasured her visits to West Virginia (home) and would tell many stories on the way there. She was a great cook and passed her talents on to her daughter. She was a kind and generous woman who would do anything she could to help others and she will be dearly missed by all.

In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her loving husband William J. Byrne Jr.; siblings, Jim Little, Jerry Little, Daniel Little and Marjorie Sofranko.

She is survived by her children, Christine J. Byrne, Michael J. (Caroline) Byrne, and Phillip A. Cromer; grandchildren, Chad M. Persinger and Stephanie W. Williams; brothers, Ab (Barbara), Jack (Yvonne) and Bill (Judy); and many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 5-8 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Road, Akron, where funeral services will be held Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 3 pm. To leave a special message for the family online, please share a memory below.