Dorothy Ree Boyd

Dorothy Ree Chapman Boyd

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand-

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

~~Timothy 4:6-7

Today, the Boyd family comes with bowed heads, but thankful hearts. We are thankful to God for the life of Dorothy Ree Chapman Boyd and the time she had to share with us. On January 12, 2012, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called Dorothy’s name and reached out his hand for her to go home to be with the Lord.

Dorothy was born on September 15, 1933 in Yazoo County, Mississippi; she is the 7th child of the late Mary Elizabeth Conerly Chapman and Henry Chapman Sr. Dorothy is also most affectionately known as Dot and Dorothy Ree. At an early age Dorothy professed hope in Christ at Jerusalem Baptist Church and later joined Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Humphrey County, Mississippi. After moving to Jackson, Mississippi, she joined New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by her eight children: Elizabeth Agho-Otoghile (Chris)-Houston, Texas; Carl E. Boyd-Jackson, MS; Margie R. Boyd- Houston, Texas; Vivian J. Boyd-Mobile, AL; Josephine Boyd-Jackson, MS; William E. Boyd (Sharonda)-San Antonio, TX; John S. Boyd-Arlington, TX; and Felecia L. Boyd-Houston, Texas. Two stepsons: Andrew C. Boyd, Sr.-Midnight, MS and Kenneth Wayne McGinnis-Chicago, IL. One stepdaughter: Patricia Hooker-Los Angeles, CA. Three sisters: Mary L. Gibson (Albert)-Chicago, IL; Lorene Tremble (Leonel)-Baton Rouge, LA; and Deloris Quinn- New Orleans, LA. Three brothers: C. A. Chapman-Washington, D. C.; Rev. James Chapman, Sr. (Jackie)-New Orleans, LA; and Calvin Chapman, Sr. (Sylvia)-New Orleans, LA. Three sister-in-laws: Mrs. Doris Chapman; Mrs. Nora Chapman; and Mrs. Matilda Chapman-Jackson, MS. Numerous: grandchildren, great-grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband; parents; five brothers (Henry Jr., Otha Lee, Clinton, I. V. Sr., and Percy B.); one sister (Margie Ree); and one step-son (Clinton Chinn).

Dorothy graduated from Humphrey County High School in Louise, Mississippi. On December 25, 1955 she became the loving and devoted wife of Andrew Curtis Boyd, Sr., after he completed serving in the United States Army. Their union was blessed with six children. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and gifted homemaker. God called home her loving husband home in 1963. This was the time that the Hymnal of “Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee; no other help I know, if you withdraw yourself from me, tell me where shall I go,” became more of a reality in her life than ever before. God, however, made a way for Dorothy, as her family and caring in-laws assisted her with the up-bringing of her children. Dorothy’s children are especially grateful for the support provided to them by Granddaddy Hosea Boyd, Uncle John Boyd, Aunt Edna Boyd, and Uncle C. A. Chapman. Due to losing her mother at the tender age of seven, Dorothy grew up with her father and brothers. Thus, she relied heavily upon her brothers for guidance, which strengthened their love for one another. Dorothy had a career in nursing service for over 20 years. She was proud of her time spent in this field as she provided compassionate care for her patients. Dorothy worked at the hospital in Belzoni, Mississippi and later at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi where she retired. After retiring, she lived in Jackson, Mississippi and Houston, Texas.

Dorothy was a loving, nurturing, and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the foundation of her family; whom without, the household could not have functioned. Dorothy continuously prayed for her family, and instilled qualities such as empathy, sympathy, and generosity in her children. Today, because of her influence and devotion to her family, she has children and grandchildren scattered throughout this country in various occupations, attending numerous universities, and who are serving, or have served, in the United Sates Air Force, United States Army, and United States Marine Corps.

Dorothy had a “green thumb” for growing plants and she enjoyed cooking, playing checkers, dominoes, bingo, basketball, and listening to music. She had a passion and special place in her heart for children.

Dorothy held on to God’s unchanging hand as she was preparing throughout her life to meet God, knowing that one day she would leave this earthly life and go where words, thoughts, and actions cannot do her any harm. She made her transfer from time to eternity in God’s provision with the firm understanding that “For me, living is Christ, dying is profit” (Philippians 1:21). Jesus proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).

During Dorothy’s sickness, God used her as a testimony to his love, mercy, and power. Her doctors said, “It does not matter who is her doctor, she has exceeded the expectations of medical science, and she does not fit into any medical book.” There were times you could ask her “how do you feel? She would answer, I feel alright.” Although she was sick, her soul was at peace. When she stands before her Lord, she will hear the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

To say that Dorothy will be greatly missed is an understatement, as she leaves loved ones to treasure and cherish the memory of her caring spirit and most of all, her giving heart. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).