Hugo Edison Boyd

Hugo Edison Boyd, the eldest child of the late Otis Boyd, Sr. and Clemmie Dantzler Boyd, was born August 12, 1936, in Rowesville, Orangeburg County, South Carolina. He departed this world on Tuesday, March 2, 2022, and is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord.

Hugo Boyd was educated in the Orangeburg County Public School system. Hugo moved to Washington, D.C. in the 1950s seeking employment. He worked various jobs and eventually became a baker for the historic Wonder Bread Factory and retired in 1998.

Hugo married the love of his life, Shirley Bowman. They were the proud parents of two children, Cynthia and John. At an early age, he joined the Forest Chapel United Methodist Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina. After moving to Washington, DC, he joined Peoples Union Baptist Church. He later became a long-time member of the Grace Memorial Baptist Church.

At first sight, Hugo seemed unapproachable. However, he was a gentle man with a sharp wit. Known in the neighborhood as “Mr. Boyd” or the “Neighborhood Watch Guy”, he possessed a fun spirit that made everyone around him smile. You would often find him sitting on the porch ready to engage in short conversations with neighbors and friends or watching ‘Shoot ‘Em Ups’. He had a nickname for everyone. He was a good cook and often bragged about his pots of “hot eats”. Hugo touched the lives of many people with his various acts of kindness and will never be forgotten.

Loving memories will be cherished by his devoted daughter, Cynthia Boyd; four sisters: Mary Washington of Lanham, MD; Margie Oliver (Herman) of Detroit, MI; Ollie Boyd of Rowesville, SC; and Belivia Boyd of Irmo, SC, two brothers: Thomas Boyd and Otis Boyd, Jr. (Teresa) of Rowesville, SC; aunts: Lillie Dantzler and Eartha Boyd of Orangeburg, SC, and Mazie Boyd of Rowesville, SC; uncle: Levi Boyd of Orangeburg, SC; brothers-in-law: John Larry Bowman (Georgia) of Camp Springs, MD and Arthur Bowman (Gloria) of Indian Head, MD; sister-in-law: Jessie Boyd Livingston of Rowesville, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Hugo was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Boyd; son, John Jackson and siblings: Jerry Hercules Boyd and Maggie Boyd Mack.