Ethel Alexander Boyd "Miss Buddy"

May 3, 2019

CHARLOTTE – Ethel Boyd passed away on May 3, 2019, after a period of declining health, surrounded by family, at peace, thankful for a life rich with simple blessings. She was 91.

Talk about a sweet soul, whenever anyone came to visit, she’d greet them with “Come in the house!” And she was known to all as Buddy, named by her father because the two went everywhere together. “Come on my little buddy,” he’d say to her. “Let’s go.” The term of endearment stuck.

Buddy was born on Nov. 23, 1927, the oldest of Fred and Kathleen Alexander’s two daughters. A Charlotte native, she graduated from Thomasboro High School, where she offered a hint of her upbeat spirit. She was a cheerleader for three years. Years later, she helped organize a reunion of the graduating class from 1945, which met regularly at the old Barclay Cafeteria at SouthPark.  She was the president of the neighborhood garden club and instrumental in the landscaping of the newly built Pinewood Elementary School in the mid- 50’s   Buddy worked for a time as a secretary, but devoted the best part of her life to keeping house and tending to their two sons after marrying Howard Boyd in 1946. Howard, an Exxon/Mobil retiree and Buddy were married for 67 years before he died in 2014 at age 87.

Life for Buddy was as sweet as her soul. They were active in the Exxon/Mobil retirees group and at A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church. She enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and tending to flowers. She spent the last five years in nursing homes, her grace and good cheer brightening every place she went. Near the end, whenever anyone would do anything for her, she would whisper “Thank you.”

Buddy is survived by two sons, Donald Boyd and his wife, Diane (whom she considered a daughter), and Jeff Boyd and his wife, Karen; two grandsons, Bryan Boyd and his wife, Lynn, and Hamilton Boyd and his wife, Amanda; and two great-grandchildren – Allison and Landon Boyd   She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Kathleen Alexander; her husband, Howard Boyd; and her sister, Nancy Klassette.

A service to celebrate her life will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, in the Francis Chapel of Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road. Visitation follows at the church.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn West Cemetery

A gift in her memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and care shown by everyone at the last place she called home, White Oak of Waxhaw, especially Teressa and Zhanna.

Just as Buddy welcomed everyone by saying “Come in the house!” her family takes comfort in knowing that when it was her time, God extended her the same sweet invitation.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Doris McCall Rea

    To: The Family of Buddy Boyd,
    Buddy was a delightful friend and encouraging, always giving you a lift. She was a blessing to everyone she met. Even though she is no longer with us and is now with our Lord and Saviour, I know she is busy doing something. Prayers and blessing to the family.

  • Doris McCall Rea

    To: The Family of Buddy Boyd,
    Sincere sympathy, Buddy was a delightful friend and encouraging, always giving you a iift. Even now that she is in heaven with our Lord and Saviour, I know she is busy doing something. Blessings to the family.

  • Marcie Causey

    Don and Dianne,
    I saw the obituary today for sweet"Miss Buddy.". What a dear lady she was!!! I always enjoyed her company and yours when Mom was a Waltonwood! Mom passed away December 2nd so maybe they are "catching up" in heaven right now.
    Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers! I am sorry that I will be out of town on Tuesday because I would love to celebrate her life with you. I know her passing is bittersweet and pray that your memories will bring joy in the days ahead!