Mary Ann (Byrd) Robinson or ‘Ann’ as she is known by those who know and love her, peacefully spread her wings and soared into the gates of Heaven on January 17th, 2026 surrounded by loved ones at her home in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ann was the 7th of the 14 children born to Daniel and Mamie Byrd on March 30th,1938 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age at the 7th Street Baptist church. She was a beautiful soul whose warmth and joyful spirit lit up every room she entered. After graduating high school Ann moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where she met her first husband, Ralph Smith, and to their union she had her only son Victor Smith. Ann would later remarry to Jesse Robinson.

Ann followed her passion for beauty and started working as a sales representative for J. Bailey Beauty Supply, a staple in the black community of Indianapolis. Throughout her life she took pride in her work in the beauty supply industry where she was able to connect and help others feel confident and beautiful. Ann also spent many years driving a school bus, where she cared for generations of children with patience, attentiveness, and genuine affection.

Family and friends were the center of Ann’s life. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved. She cherished time spent with her loved ones and found her greatest joy in simply being together. She especially loved watching her son and great-nephews play baseball, football and basketball, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm that reflected the deep love she held for her family.

Ann had a vibrant zest for life. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, bowling, and spending time playing the games she loved like Bingo, Pokeno, and Poker, always with laughter and friendly competition. These moments reflected her playful spirit and her ability to turn everyday experiences into lasting memories.

She will be remembered for her generous heart, her joyful energy, and the love she freely gave to everyone around her. Ann was received into God’s glory by loving family preceded her in death including her beloved son, Victor Smith; her sisters, Rilma (Byrd) Brown, LaVerne (Byrd) Johnson, Ramona Byrd, and Linda (Byrd) Jordan; and her brothers, William (Billy) Byrd, Robert Byrd, and two brothers who passed away at birth. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind. She is survived by her grandson Eric Steward; brothers Ronald Byrd and Daniel Byrd; sisters Theresa Byrd, Brenda (Byrd) Brown, Janice (Byrd) Ray, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, extended family members, and many lifelong friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, laughter, and unwavering love.

May God grant her eternal rest and grant comfort and peace to all who mourn her passing. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will forever live on in our hearts.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for caring for our beloved Ann during her final days.

Rest in eternal love and peace, Ann.

A visitation for Ann will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Indiana Funeral Care East (formerly Feeney Hornak Shadeland Mortuary) located at 1307 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46219. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home.