Earlie B (Patton) Boyd

Our precious mother Earlie B. Boyd, 92, of Benton Harbor MI, went on to be with the Lord on May 1, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Earlie was born October 16, 1931, in DeKalb, Mississippi to her parents Robert and Josephine Patton. After spending her early years in the South, her parents relocated her and her siblings to Watervliet, MI. Years later she would come to call Benton Harbor, MI her forever home. Earlie later met the love of her life, Maynord Elliott Boyd Sr. They married on May 27, 1949, and to that union were born twelve children.

Born to sharecroppers, Earlie was unable to complete her formal education in her youth. She later attended night school and graduated alongside her son Karl Boyd at the Benton Harbor High School Commencement in 1972.

With her family, she attended the Community Church of God in Christ. She later confessed Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized in Jesus’ name, and was filled with the Holy Spirit under the leadership of Elder W.H. Hunter at Bethlehem Temple where she became an active member, as well as later serving under the leadership of Elder George Dewberry.  Some years later, she would continue her service at Greater Faith Apostolic Church under the leadership of Elder Bosie Bowman where she continued to serve as the Sunday school secretary, choir member, and usher board member. Later, she made the Apostolic Tabernacle her final spiritual home under the leadership of Bishop Billy Long and presently Pastor Michael McKinnies.

Earlie was a devoted homemaker, the heart of our family, and mother to so many others. Earlie enjoyed attending church, solving crossword puzzles, watching westerns on “Pluto” and long conversations with her friends who were all so dear to her. Her devotion to nurturing those around her will leave a legacy with all those who loved her.

She leaves to cherish her memory eleven children: James (Robin) Boyd, Karl (Linda) Boyd, Deborah (Ronald) Johnson, Michael Boyd, Linda (Jeffery) Moss, Lester (Linda) Boyd, Denise Davis, Michelle (Robert) Booth, Vanessa (James) Mays, Kevin (Rochelle) Boyd and Joyce (Andre’) Palmer, 26 grandchildren:  Paris, Farrall, Elliot, Krystal, Ericka, Lateasha, Karla, Ronita, Bethany, Princess, Michael, Bonita, Leniah, LeTieya, Aja, LaTiya, Damon, Sharetta, Candi, Robert III, Ryan, Xavier, Mia, Ariyona, JaKyrah, and Andre ll. a host of great-grandchildren, bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and several bonus children.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Josephine Patton, husband Maynord Boyd Sr, son Maynord Boyd Jr, siblings Virgie, Annie, Claudie, and Mac Charles, and grandchildren James Boyd II, Juanita Booth, and Miquan Davis.

The Boyd Family would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers, and support during this time of bereavement.

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