10/28/2026
In Loving Memory of Ms. Elma Horton
It is with heavy hearts that we honor the life and legacy of our dear Elma Horton.
For more than 20 years, Ms. Horton served on our Board of Directors during our years as the Central Area Motivation Program, and even as our name changed to Byrd Barr Place, her love for this organization never did. She remained one of our greatest cheerleaders, always offering encouragement, wisdom, and a deep belief in the importance of serving and uplifting our community.
Her commitment to service extended far beyond Byrd Barr Place. For decades, Ms. Horton poured herself into church, education, and community, including her longtime service at Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she founded its Feeding Ministry and remained active in numerous ministries. She also served the broader community through organizations and institutions including the Garfield High School Community Coalition, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Seattle Vocational Institute. Her life was truly one of service, faith, and generosity.
We feel especially grateful that Ms. Horton was able to join us at our most recent Legacy in Motion Fundraising Gala, celebrating alongside the community she had supported for so many years. The very next day, we were blessed to see her again at Mount Zion, the church home where she was such a committed and integral presence.
Byrd Barr Place will deeply feel the void of not having Ms. Horton with us. We will miss her presence, her encouragement, and the opportunity to continue gleaning from the wisdom she so generously shared.
Her legacy reminds us that community is built by people who consistently show up, care for others, and give of themselves without needing recognition in return. Ms. Horton did that for decades, and Byrd Barr Place is stronger because she was part of our story.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, her Mount Zion church family, her friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved her.
Rest well, Ms. Horton. Thank you for believing in us, growing with us, and loving this community so faithfully. You will be dearly missed, but your legacy of service will remain with us always.