Beverly B. Byron

Today, we remember and honor the life and legacy of former Congresswoman Beverly Byron, a trailblazing leader whose steadfast commitment to public service left an indelible mark on our nation.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 27, 1932, Beverly Barton Butcher was the daughter of Captain Harry C. and Ruth Barton Butcher.

Beverly was introduced to politics and public service at an early age by her father Captain Butcher who started and managed the CBS radio station in Washington DC, the first to broadcast directly from the White House. Captain Butcher went on to serve as General Dwight D. Eisenhower's Naval Aide during World War II, at his side in North Africa and on D Day.  Butcher wrote about his experiences in the book, "My Three Years with Eisenhower."

Beverly graduated from the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., in 1950, married Goodloe Edgar Byron in 1952, and went with him when he was deployed to Frankfurt Germany by the US Army.

Upon returning from Germany and settling in Frederick, she not only gave Goodloe her blessing to enter in to politics but played an active role in his political career, participating in successful campaigns for the Maryland legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. As an unpaid aide to Goodloe, Beverly honed her political acumen, stepping in to fire up his campaigns, serving as a surrogate debating opponents, and organizing volunteers who went on to be lifelong friends.

In 1978, following Goodloe’s sudden passing, Beverly ran and was elected to represent the 6th District of Maryland in the US House of Representatives, beginning a distinguished 14-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving Maryland's 6th Congressional District from 1979 to 1993, she became an influential member of the Armed Services and Interior Committees.

Byron defined her mission as a Member of Congress to be to represent her constituents, protect the Constitution, and honor the rule of law and the institutions of government.

A staunch advocate for national security and proud to represent the great many members and retirees of the military in the 6th District, she actively advocated for peace through strength and believed wholeheartedly that a strong America would end the Cold War, which she witnessed first-hand. Her leadership on National Security issues led to her becoming Chair of the Military Personnel and Compensation Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee, the first woman to serve as Chair of a sub-committee on Armed Services

As part of her Armed Services Committee responsibilities, Beverly was given the opportunity to fly in most of America’s military aircraft, becoming the first woman to fly in the SR-71 "Blackbird." She also volunteered to hold a Congressional Hearing after the tragic bombing of the US Marine Corps barracks in Beirut in 1983.

As the original sponsor of national Rails-to-Trails legislation, she helped expand the nation-wide network of hiking and recreational trails. As a critical part of her responsibilities, she actively promoted efforts to improve and enhance the National Parks system particularly “her parks” in Western Maryland - Antietam, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the 180-mile long C&O Canal National Historical Park which runs the length of her Congressional district.

Beverly was instrumental in securing funds for the National Freeway (U.S. Route 68), and played a pivotal role in locating the National Fire Academy, the Emergency Management Institute, and the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, in Emmitsburg Maryland.

Beyond her legislative achievements, Beverly was a woman of remarkable character—intelligent, fiercely compassionate, and deeply committed to public service and to her family and friends. She navigated the complexities of Congress with grace, breaking barriers for women in leadership roles while staying true to her principles.

After leaving Congress, Beverly continued her community and public service by chairing the boards of CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Maryland TEDCO, and the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy, and serving on the Board of Directors of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, and the Advisory Committee of the Chief of Naval Operations.

In 1993, President George H.W. Bush appointed her to serve on the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission, which recommended changes and closures for military bases to Congress. She served on the US Secretary of Defense’s Advisory Committee on Women in Service, and helped to build the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, VA.

Beverly was honored with the President’s Medal by Johns Hopkins University in 1993 and received honorary degrees from Boston University [alongside Mister Rogers], Mount Saint Mary’s College, and Frostburg State University. While presenting Byron with the President’s Medal, the president of Johns Hopkins, William Richardson, remarked: “Congresswoman, humanitarian, and esteemed leader... Since being elected to the House of Representatives in 1978, you have worked tirelessly for the good of the community.”

Byron delighted in educating young minds on history, politics, and the Nation. She participated in speaking engagements with groups like Congress to Campus and Civics Connection, both of which engage current and former Congress members as teachers of the next generation of citizens. She was also active with the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Elect Her initiative, which advocates for women’s political leadership through workshops, networking, and mentoring. She joined the AAUW chapter in her hometown of Frederick for meetings aimed at inspiring young women to pursue careers in politics.

In 1984, Beverly married former Assistant Secretary of HUD, B Kirk Walsh, beginning a wonderful 32 year partnership that saw them through many great adventures until his passing in 2019.

Beverly is survived by her children - Goodloe Edgar Byron Jr., Barton Kimball Byron LTCOL(RET), and Mary Byron Kunst; her daughters-in-law Jane Byron and Hannah Byron; her grandchildren Mollie Byron, Hank Byron, Goodloe Byron III, Philip Byron, Garrett Byron, Byron Kunst, and Katherine Kunst; and her great-grandchildren David Owens, Kinsey Owens, and Charlize Byron. Byron and Katherine Kunst are the children of the late Mark Kunst, an indispensable member of the family.

She embodied the very best of what it means to serve in public office, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. Beverly Byron paved the way for countless women, proving that leadership knows no gender—only the courage to stand up, speak out, and fight for what is right.

Beverly Byron passed away of heart failure at home in Frederick, surrounded by her family, on February 9, 2025.

As we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well-lived—one marked by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to her community and to the United States of America. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association and the Catoctin Land Trust.

Visitation will be held at Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes in Frederick on February 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on February 25, 2025, at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Ijamsville at 11:00 AM.