Minta "Lyn" Boyd

Few people truly lead lives of selfless devotion, "Meme," as her grandchildren have called her, is one such rare gem. Her days began early, 4AM, about the time the newspaper was tossed at her doorstep, she'd begin a quiet routine of consuming coffee, the local news, and above all, the ever-conquered letters of the crossword puzzle. This routine was unfailing, it was as consistent as the sun rising. She'd watch that wake-up light filter through her kitchen windows, as one by one, each loved one would draw near to bacon frying and her trademark greeting, "Hello Dear."

Minta Lyn Boyd was born to Eual and Jerri Crow on October 20, 1942, the middle child to a trio of girls. In that era, and especially within the culture of the rural town of Dumas, Texas, young women were trained to be housewives and mothers. Many of her stories of early life revolved around learning to sew and cook, clean and prepare spaces for others. She graduated high school fully prepared to accommodate a life given to those domestic roles, yet Minta had a particular affinity for numbers, accounting and other skills of mathematics. She immediately took a job at Woody's Furniture in Dumas and was the primary accountant until she married James R. Boyd on November, 14, 1966.

Minta and James were married for over 40 years until James preceded her death. He often referred to her as "the queen" for she created a home for their three sons, Carey "Dusty", Damon and Corey, where she maintained a regal expression of service and love to their home. She prepared every meal and keenly managed the home’s budget where all had what they needed, certainly, but also celebrated each with lavish birthdays and holidays. Food, meals, every bite made from scratch, this was her love language. She prepared three meals a day while also keeping an impeccable home. Theirs was the home schoolmates frequented, because there was always plenty cooked to share. Complete devotion to family was her never-ending tribute to being a wife and mother.

Then, as the sons begin to marry and have grandchildren, it was with "these little darlings" she doted upon unapologetically. At this stage of life, James and Lyn lived in a beautiful home at Lake Meredith. Hundreds of photos of grandchildren eating unlimited numbers of popsicles are tucked in albums and boxes. It’s easy to see summer sunshine ruled the day, as each “little darling” wore a swimsuit all day and into the evening.

Meme proclaimed Popsicles a food group. That happens between grandkids and grandparents, rules blur, life is free, and if Meme's Little Darlings wanted homemade fried potatoes and ketchup three meals a day, then the hallowed ground of Meme's Kitchen remained a short-order cafe of whatever her grandchildren requested. Should a parent enter and see platters of potatoes, not a word was said, oh no. This was Meme's domain. These were glorious years. When she wasn't cooking, Meme would hang her set of binoculars from her chair on the back porch, she’d survey the land delightful curiosity, very often calling grands out of the swimming pool to see some version of wildlife she'd spotted. Each child took turns peering over the cliff down the lake until what Meme had spotted was clearly defined. This was absolute joy for all, and these precious years formed beautiful childhoods.

Dusty and D'Ann, Damon and Kira, and Corey and Lisa watched their children be so loved. If any child called to Meme, she gave each the comforting, warmly delivered welcome of “Yes, Dear” to each with unfailing adoration. Becca, Callie, Lana Beth, Brady, and Tanner had the dignified position of being Meme's little darlings. She lived for family, gave her whole life to being the perfect role model for her children and grandchildren to follow.

She entered into Heaven on April 18 as a great-grandmother, too. First grandchild Becca, along with husband Tim, gifted Meme with Caden, Case, Ellie Bea and Sunnie Hale. Granddaughter Callie, along with Kaleb, gave Meme the joy of Karter Rae Nowlin, and granddaughter Lana Beth, already in Heaven, who surely met Meme at The Gates, has her own provision of gifts to offer. Then, there is Brady, along with Sabri, who gave Meme Miles, and grandson Tanner, along with Emily, gave Taylie and Kaiser Boyd. Four more grandchildren, Taylor, Tyler, Brooks and Baylor Boyd will build families as they age, but each will carry generational wealth of being connected forever to Meme.

It is true that no matter age or position in family, Meme loved all with unquestionable service and devotion. She always thought of herself last, then put one or all she loved in a place of greater priority. An unselfish life is all Meme has known, so in turn, she's raised her children to make family first.

From her position in Heaven, should she peek downward, she'll see her family thriving with love for one another, each striving to follow her lead. Yet, she knows now what we're all told by God is the content of this life, it is but a vapor, so she's going to sit for ten million years loving those she's longed to see for too many years. She's having a glorious Homecoming, reward and treasure in Heaven, surrounded by those who've adored her, and she is encircled by faces she's loved from her own childhood. Whatever the content of her Divine Welcome, among all the long-awaited phrases of welcome, she most certainly heard first, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 24, 2026 at Dumas Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.