Ella Lee Johnson Boyd's Obituary
Ella Lee Johnson Boyd, 96, of Decatur, departed this earthly life on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at Decatur Memorial Hospital after a very brief illness. She made her transition to her permanent heavenly home just four days short of her 97th birthday.
Mrs. Boyd was born on December 6, 1912 in Way, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Willie Lee Johnson and Christine Geneva Baker Johnson. She united in holy matrimony to the late Makies Boyd, on December 25, 1943. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother Hubert Johnson, Sr.
Mrs. Boyd was affectionately called “Sister” by family and some close friends. She was a homemaker and avid gardener who loved flowers and plants. She truly loved her family and friends. She never met a stranger and always had kind and encouraging words for everyone. Although small in stature, she was very independent, energetic, and an inspiring person. Mrs. Boyd led life by example and the countless number of people who were blessed to have crossed her path will truly miss her.
Mrs. Boyd became a believer in Jesus Christ in1926. She became a diligent seeker and follower of Christ along with joining the Christian way of living the rest of her life. She and her family moved from Kansas City, Missouri, to Decatur, Illinois in 1937. Being faithful to her Christian convictions, she united with the New Salem Baptist Church. Desiring to help her husband to become an active member of the church, she later joined the Antioch M.B. Church in January 1944. Mrs. Boyd strongly believed in serving Christ and her fellow man and believed it was every Christian’s responsibility to work in the service of the Lord and to become active in the church. She loved studying the bible and being busy working for the Lord, as evident by her extensive involvement in church work and related civic duties. She was a true “Christian servant” in every sense of the word.
In 1964, Reverend Howell Levi McClendon Jr. organized and founded Ebenezer Baptist Church. Mrs. Boyd was a charter member of Ebenezer and so loved her church. She was a very faithful member serving as a church clerk and Sunday School teacher. Just prior to her passing she held the title as the oldest charter member.
Mrs. Boyd lived life to the fullest along with serving and holding memberships with several civic and progressive clubs and affiliations including: Saint Mary’s Chapter #65 Order of Eastern Star, State of Illinois, PHA, former President of Widow’s Club John C. Ellis Lodge #17, former President of Missionary Society, Illinois Baptist State Convention, General Baptist Convention of Illinois, former President of Church Women United, former Historian of Illinois State Christian Women United, former Executive Board NAACP, Green Thumb Operation, Senior Citizens Advisory Board, Women’s Progressive Club, Decatur Christian Foundation, Monday Sewing Group of Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur Emmaus Community, Who’s Who of American Women 1981-1982, Volunteer with Project Read and African American Sons and Daughters Home.
She leaves to celebrate her life; her devoted nephew Hubert Tonia Johnson, Jr. of Richardson, TX, Kent Linda Johnson, of McKinney, TX, cousin Katie Smith, of Decatur, IL, cherished nephews and nieces Rajni Johnson, of Chicago, IL, Shakira Johnson and Bryce Johnson, of Allen, TX, Starr Johnson, of Folsom, LA; “special” adopted daughters Gloria Everett Boykin, Marylynn Foster, Eloise Larry Warfield all of Decatur, IL and Genella Bond, of Sachse, TX; special friends Robert Wanda Jelks, Sr., Loretta Hill, Delores Small, Linnie Jimmie Otis, Williene Austin, Genevieve McCutcheon, Lee Gibbs, Elvert “Ike” Erma Adams, Woodrow Claude Ida Bond, Tomajor Daisy Bond, Jr., Eva Clarence Savage, Lois Stevens, Laverta Dobbins, Margie Springfield, Nellie Watkins, Pearlean Thompson, Mildred Jackson, Frances Hawkins, Virginia Brooks, Verle Janes, Rev. Eddie Mabry, Sylvia Rowe, all of Decatur, IL; Vera Shoultz, and Rev. and Mrs. Samuel W. Hale, Jr., of Springfield, IL; good neighbors Curt Ruth, Massey, Lloyd Jody Holman, Rodney Pam Montague, Terry Hogg, along with a host of other relatives and numerous friends. Special thanks to the staff at McKinley Court Care Center and Tykiesha Walker.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 11, 2009 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 240 North Edward Street, Decatur, IL from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Starting at 7:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church there will be a Memorial and Tribute service for those civic and progressive organizations, clubs and affiliations that Mrs. Boyd was associated with over the years. Those who wish to pay special acknowledgment to her years of service may do so at that time.
Celebration of Life and Homegoing services will be on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 240 North Edward Street, Decatur, IL with Reverend Johnny D. McClendon, officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Burial will be held in Greenwood Cemetery.
The family of Ella Lee Johnson Boyd is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family by visiting www.moranandgoebel.com.
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