Byron Anthony Gettings

Byron was born in Chicago, IL to James Gettings and Karen Gettings-McGee. He was affectionately known as “Bags.” Their adored son, Byron Anthony, graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Alabama State University. After graduating from Alabama State University in 1998 he began his career in Social Services working with at-risk-youth. He wanted to make a greater impact in the lives of the students he worked with so he went back to school and earned a Master of Science in Counseling from National-Louis University. He began his career as a School Counselor at Harper High School in Chicago, Illinois. Byron met Toya in 1994 while working at the same security firm during the summer while home from college. Upon meeting, they immediately “clicked or vibed” as Byron would say. Byron often shared that he knew Toya was the one because she allowed him to drive her car the very first day they met and by the third day he was meeting her grandparents. On July 17, 1999, Byron and Toya wed and through this union yielded four amazing children, Byron Anthony Jr. (23), Jalen Brandon (21), twins Taylor Alexis and Tyler Quinten (20). Profoundly loyal and supportive, Byron was a God-fearing man who lovingly led and protected his family with tenacity and faith. He was a family man who was a car enthusiast, lover of sports, and die hard Chicago Bears fan (Chi-Town stand up). Byron studied the Bible and gave his life to Christ in August 2001. He was a member of The Chicago Church of Christ from 2001-2011. Relocating to Charlotte in 2011, he became a member of The Charlotte Church. Byron delivered impact through his professional career as a School Counselor for young adolescents in Chicago Public Schools and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. During his 13 years in CMS, he worked at Vance and Hopewell High School. In 2023, he became an Assistant Coach for the JV Basketball team at Hopewell High School. Byron was a role model to so many. Byron’s absence will not only leave a void for Toya and their children but also countless families, friends, colleagues, students, players, and his church family. Byron was known as the Family Chef, Grill Master, Mentor, Big Brother to his colleagues, Coach, and proud ASU Alumni. But above all, Byron was a provider to his everlasting love, Toya and their legacies, BJ, Uncle Jayy, Tay, and Ty. His memories will live on forever, as will the “Gettings 6”. Preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Carrie Gettings and maternal grandparents, Fred and Ruth Hunt, two uncles Fred Hunt Jr. and Dean Hunt. He leaves to treasure his memories, his wife of almost 25 years, LaToya, their four children, BJ, Jalen, Taylor and Tyler; his parents, Karen Gettings-McGee and James and other mother, Janet Gettings; sister, Brittany Gettings Norwood; parents in-love McKinley and Felecia Amos, sister in-love, Tiffany Amos; special cousins Scotty, Justin, and Erica; special sister-in-love, Lisa Sargent-Davis (Jerald); Godchildren Keith Lewis and Alyssa Moore along with a host of incredible uncles, aunts, and cousins. Farewell to our loving family member, loyal friend and faithful servant, Byron A. Gettings.

Byron Anthony Gettings

June 13, 1976 - June 19, 2024