MaryEm West Byce
November 5, 1943 ~ May 14, 2020
Marietta Southern Cremations & Funerals
MaryEm West Byce (Robinson), 76, of Marietta, passed away on May 14, 2020.
She was born to the late Nolan and Wynell Robinson on November 05, 1943. As a Native Atlantan, MaryEm attended Grady High School and was a graduate of West Georgia College with degrees in Sociology and Music Education. She married the late John West in 1966 and they lived together, raising their family in Carrollton and later Marietta, until his passing in 1981. In 1993, MaryEm married the late Jason Byce, with whom, as a child and youth, she shared membership at the First Baptist Church of Atlanta and years of service in the vocal music program.
MaryEm was a 30-year veteran as a Choral Music Director within the Carroll & Cobb County School Systems where she retired in 2004. She was a passionate director with an immense love of her students and took great pride in showcasing their talents, along with expressing her own love of music.
As a member of the First Baptist Church of Roswell, she served as a deacon and was an active soprano in the Chancel Choir until her health took her away. MaryEm’s life was faith-filled, leading by example, as she ministered to others.
She is survived by her children: Allyson West Cybul, of Marietta; John Burton West, of Augusta; and Jayson Charles West (Wife, Marianne), of Tampa. Her grandchildren: Benjamin Cybul (Wife, Melora), Hannah Cybul, Hollins West, Pate West, Jack West, Wills West, Henry West, Mally West, Emmy-Hunt West, Hattie West, and by her great grandson: Cooper Cybul.
Sing & Make Music From Your Heart To The Lord. Ephesians 5:19
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I’m so sorry to hear the news about MaryEm. She was a dear colleague in the Cobb County School District. She mentored many, many young people through the years. I’ve never known a teacher who was more supportive and genuinely interested in her students long after they left her classroom. She’s loved and remembered by many. My condolences to the family. – Frank Timmerman
We were so sorry to hear of MaryEm’s passing. She was an extraordinary person. Thankful for the way she gave her all to her students. She was a bright light in this world. Tim and Susan Poolos
So sad to hear of Mrs. Byce’s passing. She taught me at Smitha Middle School many many years ago. She was an amazing Choral director. We all loved her very much. Prayers sent for her family 💜💜💜
She was my middle school chorus teacher. Sweet lady. So sorry to hear the news. Prayers for her family.
I was privileged to be mentored by MaryEm when I first starting teaching middle school in Cobb County. And was blast that she taught both of my children at Smitha MS. Another great voice has been added to that heavenly choir. Prayers for her family.
She was our middle school chorus teacher. She helped my friends and I write a song – and her and Mr. Byce wrote the music to it. She believed in all of her kids and gave her all to make us all feel special. She is now singing with Jesus! We will miss you!
Mrs. Bryce was a huge influence on both my children. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Her love for music and the children she taught was evident in everything she did. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers. This is a huge loss for the community and she will be missed.
I walked into your class for the first time in 6th grade, I always liked music, but you taught me to love music. You showed me what power music has. I will never forget what an impact you had on my life. I am a better human being because of you.
My heart is broken in the loss of one of the most precious of God’s children. She has been missed at 1st Baptist Roswell and was loved dearly by many.
Middle School Bye Bye BIrdie production was a highlight of my life.. thanks for the memories and the beautiful times!!! You and Mr. Byce truly changed lives in ways in ways you’ll never know… Love you much, Brandon “Hugo Peabody” Wright
I have just learned of this today. I am so sad – she was my best friend at Grady. I hadn’t heard from her in so long. Judy Forster Williams
RIP Mrs Byce, I am one of her ex students from Smitha middle school back in 1995. This was a random search I did not know that she had passed to now. As a teacher she was so kind and helpful to me. Really encouraging and all. I enjoyed being in her 8th grade chorus. I ended up quiting and giving in to the pressures of chorus not being cool. That decision stings 25 years later. She was not upset but very disappointed you know. I never how a chance to apologize. I want to say Mrs Byce I am so sorry. I was young. May you Rest In Peace.
RIP Ms. Byce. She was the best choral teacher I had when I was at Smitha Middle School. She helped me and trained me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Mrs. Byce was such a wonderful teacher, both of music and life itself. She will always be one of my favorite teachers and I am so very heartbroken to learn of her passing. My condolences to Mrs. Cybil, Han, Ben, and the rest of the family.
It’s odd how suddenly you think of a person who showed such a positive influence on your child. It can be anywhere, even at a ball game watching your grandson play. My daughter and my son were in Mrs. Byce’s choral class along with her husband, Jason. She provided such unique experience for her class, singing at the Rich’s Christmas tree, going to all state chorus with them and so on. She was an encourager, and wonder teacher. Her students sounded like angels. I can’t help but think that one of her jobs in heaven is singing and leading a chorus. Thank you to her family and Jason’s for sharing her with my family.