Mary Boyd

Obituary Mary Tillery Boyd was born on August 12, 1920 in Morehead City, NC and entered into eternal rest on August 14, 2016. She was the fourth of ten children from the union of her late parents, John Randolph and Parmilla Gaskill Tillery. A Christian family that included six girls and four boys, Mary experienced at an early age, and throughout her life, the positive dynamics of being part of a large and loving spiritually oriented family. Her funeral service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2016, at 3:00 PM at St. Stephens AME Zion Church, with Rev. Dr. William Snow presiding. A lifetime member of St. Stephens AME Zion Church, Mary remained active in the church until health issues required a change of residence. During her active tenure at St. Stephens, Mary served terms as Director of Christian Education, and President of Home and Foreign Mission Society. Throughout the months and years when she was unable to be active, she remained thoughtful and spiritually connected to St. Stephens and thankful for its remembrance of her. Mary attended elementary school in Morehead City and graduated from Queen Street High School in Beaufort, NC. She later attended Bennett College in Greensboro, NC and completed some work related coursework at NC A & T University, East Carolina University, and Winston Salem State University. Mary had a tremendous love for learning and continued her involvement in the learning process for as long as she was able. Mary was professionally employed by the U.S. Department of Commerce (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries, Pivers Island, Beaufort, NC as a Biology Technician and Equal Employment Counselor. She retired from this position in 1989. Mary also spent four years at Carteret Technical Institute teaching literacy programs during evening hours at W.S. King High School. As a community volunteer worker, Mary was associated with the Broad Street Medical Clinic in Beaufort, Carteret County Girl Scout Leadership Program, and the Mentally Handicapped Childrens Program at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Morehead City. She was also a trustee of Carteret Community College. Marys service in the community also included appointment to the Carteret County Mayors Committee for Persons with Disabilities, membership on the N.C. Marine Science council, and membership on The Block Grant Program of Morehead City. Mary T. Boyd was a lifetime participant in the Carteret County Democratic Party. She once served as Treasurer and Second Vice President of Democratic Women of Carteret County, and held similar positions with the County Senior Democrats. Mary T. Boyd lived a long productive life and often counted her many blessings. She frequently remarked about how much had been given to her by the Lord, which was motivation for her to find ways to give back. It is perhaps appropriate to say that a fitting tribute to Mary is embodied in the words of the familiar hymn that is titled "May the Work Ive Done Speak for Me." Those left behind to cherish memories of her are daughter-in-law, Norma S. Boyd, of Pollocksville, NC, adopted grandchildren, Richard Lamont Sermon, of Pollocksville, Michelle Webb (Carlton) of Charlotte; sisters, Fannie T. Butler of Salisbury, NC and Althea Becton (John) of Havelock, NC; brothers, Frederick Tillery of Morehead City, and Winifred Tillery (Lynette) of Raleigh; niece/caretaker, Parmilla Edwards, caretaker, Juliet Lee; and a host of nieces nephews, cousins and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Anthony "Toby" Boyd, and her loving son, John Boyd; sisters Parker Leigh McDonald, Richella Walker and Jessie Mae Savage; brothers, Herbert Tillery, Sr., and John Wesley Tillery The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Flowers will be welcomed, or memorials may be made in Marys name to St. Stephens AME Zion Church, 107 N. 12th Street, Morehead City, NC 28557. Funeral Service Saturday August 20, 2016 , 3:00 pm at St. Stephen AME Zion Church 1-888-579-7953 Code: 2002089P Facts Born: August 12, 1920 Place of Birth: Morhead City, NC Death: August 14, 2016 Place of Death: Kinston, NC Occupation: Biology Lab Technician Memorial Donations Memorial donations can be made to: St. Stephens AME Zion Church, 107 N. 12th Street, Morehead City, NC 28557 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Mary Boyd