Gwendolyn Boyd

Gwendolyn (Wright) Boyd was born June 24, 1934 in Troy, Alabama, to the late Easter Lucille and James Clay Wright.  She graduated from Pike County Training High School in Brundidge, Alabama.

Shortly after moving from rural Troy, Alabama in 1967, the Boyd Family settled in Hamilton, Ohio and became connected with Israel Baptist Church.  It was under this church’s ministry that Gwen grasped the need and desire to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Gwen became a faithful servant of her Lord as a member of Israel Baptist Church, until her health declined.  She was involved in several ministries over the years including the Women’s ministry, the Voices of Israel Choir, the Keenagers, and the Communion preparation team.

In Ohio, Gwendolyn was first employed as a caretaker for Dr. Brady & Teri Randolph.  She carried many memories in her heart of her children and the Randolph children enjoying shared experiences at each other’s homes and sweet times at Sealtest Ice Cream Store in Hamilton.

After her tenure with Dr. Randolph, Gwen began working at Dalton’s Clothing Store in Hamilton (later known as Martin’s in Tri-County Mall) and that is where she found her passion in women’s fashion.  Working at Martin’s exposed Gwen to a whole new world of all types of people, where she helped dress and accessorize many women over the years.  Gwen had an eye for style and fashion and did very well in her sales career at Martin’s until she retired in the late 90s.  

In the community, Gwen was a member of the Golden Girls Club and was known as the Beanie Baby Lady because of her large collection of the cute stuffed animals and her creative efforts to share with others.  She was an excellent cook and baker; known for her sweet potato pies and butternut cake.  Friends knew they were welcome to eat when they came to the Boyd’s home. Many adopted her and affectionally called her “Grandma, Aunt Gwen, Ma Boyd, & Ms. Boyd.” Gwen also loved music, from gospel to the blues, and would express her love for it with a hand raised high or a 2-step jig.  

On December 2, 1952, Gwen married the love of her life, Jimmie Lee Boyd and to their 67-year union was born nine children:  Jimmie (Robert) Ferguson, Willie Boyd, Landerous Ray (Vivian) Boyd, Earnest (Melissa) Boyd, Gernell Boyd, Anthony (Denise) Boyd, Deborah Ann Boyd, Renee (Bryan) Davis, Sheerese Boyd; and 1 bonus daughter, Isophene (Harold) Andrews.  She was a loving, supportive, and dedicated woman to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.   

In addition to her children, Gwendolyn is survived by a loving and attentive sister, Willie Shazier and brother, Benjamin Wright, 25 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, a devoted daughter-in-law: Penny Boyd and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Gwendolyn is preceded in death by her cherished husband, Jimmie L Boyd, 9 of her 11 siblings: Albert Wright, James Wright, Charlie Clay Wright, Calvin Wright, Smiley Wright, Lois Christian, Savannah DuBose, Lucille Wright, and Vonnie Brundidge.  

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