Ann Elizabeth Boyd

Ann Elizabeth Boyd (nee Duncan), born on the 4th of July, 1941, in West Monroe, Louisiana, the daughter of Allwyn Earl and Mary Mauriece Duncan, passed away on November 27th, 2020, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She lived for 59 years in Eureka, California.

Ann was a dynamic person. At West Monroe high school, she was on Student Council, an Executive Officer of the Rebelettes, a Good Citizen, an officer in the F.B.L.A. Club, in the Contraband Club, in the Medic Club, and in the Mixed Chorus and Choir. She attended Northeast Louisiana State College in Monroe, Louisiana, and left in 1960 after her first year because she married Dean Boyd of Hope, Arkansas. They then moved to Eureka, California.

Ann initially worked at Pacific Telephone after having children, but she really used her talents when she decided to start a diabetic center in Humboldt County. She developed Type 1 diabetes when she was 25, and a scary episode where her diabetes caused her to black out while driving prompted her to go to Portland, Oregon, so she could obtain knowledge about diabetes. She came back to Humboldt County, applied for a grant, sought donations, and negotiated with St. Joseph Hospital for space, all as part of forming the Community Diabetic Center. She regularly counseled people about their diabetes, and also conducted many diabetic screenings all over Humboldt County, including in Hoopa. There are many diabetics in Humboldt who benefited from her knowledge.

Ann attended College of the Redwoods to obtain her AA degree in business after having two children. She was a person with a great head for business, and a clever problem solver. When she and Dad built their house, she designed it, taking a class to learn drafting. She then acted as the general contractor when the house was built. She was definitely a person on whom many people relied. Had she been born at a different time, she likely would have been the head of a company.

Ann was always involved in music. She was an alto, and sang in many of Dad’s choirs, both through the Methodist Church and at College of the Redwoods. She also frequently performed in duets with Dad. We are grateful that she chose a husband who brought the joy of music so deeply into our lives.

Ann converted to Catholicism in the early 70’s, and was very involved with the Catholic church after she converted, including serving as an Ecumenical Minister. She was fortunate in receiving the Holy Communion shortly before her death, and even though she was in and out of consciousness at that point, she conveyed her happiness at receiving the last rites.

Her family was the center of her existence. She was a Brownie leader, and then a Girl Scout leader, and took both her daughter and her son on all campouts. When her grandchildren, who were the light of her life, came along, she was eager to have them with her as much as possible. We always knew she loved us.

When Ann was diagnosed with diabetes in 1967, she was told she would live only about 20 years, and that she would likely go blind and lose kidney function before she died. She made it 54 years. It was a demanding, rigorous life for her to deal with her diabetes, but she found a way through it. Because she did, she and Dad were able to celebrate their 60th anniversary this past summer.

Ann was a person who was both full of Southern charm and hospitality, and also a person who would fight for what she thought was right. Different people experienced those different aspects of her personality. We realized at the end of her life that the strength of who she was caused many people to love her fiercely. We certainly did. We will miss her.

Ann is survived by her husband, Dean Boyd, her daughter Deborah Boyd; her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Joann Boyd; her grandchildren Taylor, Garrett and Ryan; her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Lora Lee Duncan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; her brother and sister-in-law Bill and Lynn Duncan of Farmerville, Louisiana; her brother-in-law Wayne Boyd of Shreveport, Louisiana; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Perry and Jewel Boyd of Fortuna, California; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Ivey Boyd of Fortuna, California; numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly; and many close friends.

Due to COVID-19 there will not be any services. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Mom would tell you not to send flowers. Instead, we ask that you please say a prayer for her husband Dean Boyd, who is suffering from vascular dementia.