Palazesi – Gene "Manny" Byrd Palazesi, age 96, of Callahan, Florida passed away peacefully at her home on February 24, 2023.  She was born in Cross City, Florida on February 18, 1927, to the late Ivvie Sloan and Mammie Corbin Sloan.  Manny was a dedicated employee for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida for 17 years. In her tenure there she never missed a day of work.  Manny was a true gift from God. She was loved by everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Manny was a selfless person and always went out of her way to put others first.  She thoroughly enjoyed painting, riding her bike, and walking on the beach.  Manny's memories will live on forever through her paintings that will always be cherished. More than anything she loved her family and spending time with them. Manny was an angel that will be dearly missed.  Some might say this world would be a better place if everyone had an ounce of "Manny" in them. She is preceded in death by her parents; 8 siblings; first husband, John Byrd; second husband, Dino Palazesi; and daughter, Pat Burton.

Manny leaves behind her daughters, Betty (Ben) Byrd, JoAnn (Paul) Nowaskey, Edie (Rik) Amato; grandchildren, Mike (Robbin) Byrd, James Byrd, Josh Hester, Chase (Melissa) Hester, Ryan (Kelsey) Nowaskey, Erin (Mike) Patterson, Jennifer (Nick) Larson, Katie (Davy) Willard, Jason Agee, Thea Agee, Craig Agee; great- grandchildren, Claire Byrd, Raven Byrd, Trace Hester, Kennedy Hester, Jackson Bennett, Jameson Hester, Sadie Nowaskey, Lucas Amato, Conner Larson, Emma Larson, Avery Willard, Brennan Agee.

A Celebration of Manny's Life will be held privately by her loving family.  The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.