Beverly Byron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beverly Byron
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 6th district |
|
| In office January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1993 |
|
| Preceded by | Goodloe Byron |
| Succeeded by | Roscoe Bartlett |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Beverly Barton Butcher
July 27, 1932 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | February 9, 2025 (aged 92) Frederick, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
Goodloe Byron
(m. 1952; B. Kirk Walsh
(m. 1986; |
| Relations |
|
| Parent |
|
| Alma mater | Hood College |
Beverly Barton Byron (born Butcher; July 27, 1932 – February 9, 2025) was an American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party. Beverly Byron served as a U.S. Congresswoman for Maryland's 6th district. She held this position from January 3, 1979, to January 3, 1993.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Beverly Barton Butcher was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 27, 1932. Her parents were Ruth and Harry C. Butcher. Her father was a radio broadcaster for CBS. He also worked as a naval aide to General Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II.
During her childhood, her family lived in the Wardman Park Hotel. Her father's work in Washington, D.C. allowed her to meet important people. She became friends with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. She also knew Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. A political helper named George E. Allen was her godfather.
Education and Start in Politics
Beverly Butcher finished school at the National Cathedral School for Girls in Washington in 1950. Later, she earned a two-year degree from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, in 1962.
In 1952, she married Goodloe Byron. She became very active in many non-profit groups. She also helped raise money for the Democratic Party.
Becoming a Congresswoman
Beverly Byron was first elected to Congress in 1978. She took over the seat from her husband, Goodloe Byron. He had passed away from a heart attack just one month before the election. She later said, "Within 24 hours I was a widow, a single parent, unemployed and a candidate for Congress."
Many people thought she would only serve one term. However, she stayed in Congress for 14 years. She was re-elected six times and served until 1993.
Work in Congress
In Congress, Beverly Byron focused a lot on military and national security issues. She was a Democrat but held some conservative views. She supported the money policies of the Reagan administration.
She served on several important committees:
- The House Armed Services Committee
- The Interior and Insular Affairs Committee
- The Select Committee on Aging
Leadership Roles
From 1983 to 1986, she led the House Special Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament. She also supported the creation of the MX Missile.
In 1987, she became the chairwoman of the Military Personnel and Compensation Subcommittee. She was the first woman to lead a subcommittee within the Armed Services Committee. She was also the first woman ever to fly aboard the SR-71 Blackbird of the USAF. She flew as a special guest in November 1985.
End of Congressional Career
In 1992, Beverly Byron lost in the Democratic primary election. She was defeated by State Delegate Thomas Hattery. He then lost to Republican Roscoe Bartlett in the main election.
After leaving Congress, she continued to serve the country. She was a commissioner on the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. In 1995, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors. She was also a member of the Board of Regents for the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.
Personal Life and Passing
Beverly and Goodloe Byron had three children together. In 1986, she married B. Kirk Walsh. He had worked as an official in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. He passed away in 2019.
Beverly Byron passed away from heart failure at her home in Frederick, Maryland, on February 9, 2025. She was 92 years old.
See also
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
