Bernice Barksdale was born on Feb 18, 1933 to parents Rebecca Spradley Barksdale and Edward Barksdale (Oct 15, 1909-Nov 11, 1988). She had siblings Rooselvelt Barksdale, John Barksdale (Jan 18, 1937-Oct 24, 1978), Mary Hilliard, and Daisy Granger.
Bernice Barksdale Byrd was married to Richard Byrd. They had children Lenwood Byrd, Rebecca (Byrd) Engleton, Herbert Byrd, and Margaret Taylor.