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IOP, radiology patient rep remembered by Cindy Abole Public Relations Mary Byas, an MUSC employee of 34 years, died March 11. Byas, who retired in January, worked as a patient appointment/registration representative in STAR North at the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP).      Born July 20, 1951, Byas is the daughter of Annie Mae Williams and Edmond Duberry of Charleston. She was a graduate of Bonds Wilson High School.   Byas joined MUSC in May 1973 initially working in the MUSC Clinic. She also worked in the Pathology and Cytotechnology/Histotechnology departments before transferring to  IOP in 1989. While at IOP, she worked in various areas including Psychiatric Nursing, Adult Division of Psychiatry and Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs and STAR North upon her retirement.   Byas is survived by her husband, Joe Byas; children, Kendra Byas Green and Kemberlyn L. Byas; and a stepdaughter, Arlenia Murray. Having worked with Mary from my first day at MUSC, I can tell you that she was, without a doubt, one of the finest people I’ve ever known. Always cheerful, she kept her cool in even the most stressful situations. I know she will be sorely missed, but because she was a woman of strong faith I know she is now at peace with God.”  —Kathy Caines, Radiology I worked with Mary for the past 10 years and will miss her greatly. She was very kind, funny and always had a smile.  —Harriet Cooney, director of Youth Services, Institute of Psychiatry Mary is someone who will be missed dearly. I came to work at MUSC 29 years ago after moving from New York and leaving my parents. I met Mary and considered her as my second mother. I spent many days at her home with her family. My family even grew to love her. She was very inspirational to me and a great friend. We worked together in the Radiology Clinic in the Old Research Building where she was known as the Avon lady. —Deborah Mazyck, Radiology My friend, Mary, was very special in my life. I met Mary 34 years ago here at MUSC Outpatient Department. We’ve share some wonderful memories together and I will miss her so much.   Mary was kind, loving and very pleasant and so full of good advice. She was a God-sent woman who spoke and lived the word of God everyday. She will be missed but not forgotten. —Glennie Davis, Outpatient Department, Ambulatory Care I met Mrs. Byas through Deborah Mazyck 17 years ago when I first started working in the Radiology Department. She always had a beautiful smile with those deep dimples!   She never was a woman of many words, but the way she carried herself  proved that she definitely was a woman of God. She will be missed by many of us in Radiology.” —Janet G. Snipe, Radiology     Friday, March 23, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.