Obituary of Jean Jenkins Boyd

Martha Jean Jenkins Boyd, age 96, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 13, 2018. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and all family and friends are blessed to have shared in her life.

Jean was born on January 7, 1922, in Fork Shoals, South Carolina.  She was the daughter of the late Clyde David and Floride Allison Austin Jenkins.  She attended Winthrop College for two years until the summer of her sophomore year when her family was in an automobile accident.  She returned to college, Furman University, at age 43 and graduated at age 45.  She began a career with the South Carolina Department of Social Services from which she retired as a supervisor.

Jean married Gordon Richardson Boyd with whom she had a loving 52-year marriage founded on faith and focused on their children, Margaret Ann, Betty and Richey.  Jean’s treasures on earth were her family and friends.  Her gentle, yet strong spirit and her thankful and giving heart endeared her to all who knew her.

She began her life long walk with the Lord as a young girl.  During her married life, she served her church for 30 years as pianist and later as organist.  In addition, she was director of the WMU and taught Sunday School for many years. 

Her love of music led her to teach piano to many children in the Simpsonville area.  Her love of flowers was evident in her service in the Simpsonville Garden Club, and in the beautiful yard in which she loved to work. 

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gordon, and her two brothers, Clyde D. “Pete” Jenkins and John E. Jenkins.  She is survived by her sister, Helen Mullinax of Greenville, SC. 

She is also survived by her daughter Margaret Ann Pearson (Lloyd), of Charleston, SC; her daughter Betty Bullard (George), of Columbia, SC; and her son, Gordon R. “Richey” Boyd (Dorothy), of Simpsonville, SC. 

She is further survived by six grandchildren:  Boyd Pearson (Gina), Marc Pearson (Erinn), Jonathan Bullard, Allison McNair (Cole), Brooks Derrick (Andrea) and Katie Replogle (Matt), and her great-grandchildren Kathryn Ward Pearson, Nolan, Elizabeth James and Brendan Bullard, and Stella Grace Replogle.

Family and friends will celebrate Jean’s life on Monday, January 15, 2018 at Unity Baptist Church, 1000 Fairview Road, Simpsonville, SC.  Following a private burial, visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., and a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Unity Baptist Church.