Mae Willie Burnett Boyd was born on April 18, 1929, the fourth child of J.B. and Obie Burnett in Zebulon, Georgia. Her family relocated to Orlando, Florida, when she was a toddler. She graduated from Jones High School in 1947, where she enjoyed playing softball.
While walking to work on Parramore, Mae and her older sister met a dapper young insurance salesman named Walter Boyd. After much negotiation, it was decided that Mae would date Walter. After a year of courtship, Walter left town briefly, then returned and married “his girl” on May 25, 1952.
The couple began their life together in Lakeland, Florida, where they welcomed three children: Alice, Walter Jr., and Patricia. In Lakeland, Mae was a devoted member of First Baptist Institutional Church under the leadership of Rev. Paul Jackson, where she taught the “Cradle Roll” Sunday School class. She also served as president of the local chapter of the social club Club Bonafidé. Mae worked as a seamstress specializing in plus size fitting-an uncommon market in the 1960s-and later worked as a window dresser for Lerner Department Stores.
In 1968, the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where their youngest daughter, Carol, was born. Mae began what would become more than a year career with the State of Florida as a clothing construction instructor. Mae and Walter joined St. Stephen AME Church that same year under the leadership of Rev. J.S. Johnson. She served faithfully as a member of the J.A. Singleton Board and as its treasurer.
Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Boyd; her son, Walter Jr.; her parents; her brothers, Quillie and Allen Burnett; and her sister, Myrtice Brown.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughters: Alice Perry (Julius), Patricia Bethel, and Carol Mitchell (Anthony); her grandchildren, Carol Flowers, Kellye Flowers, and Adrian Johnson; her great grandchildren, Skai Flowers, Miyah Dinish, and Kashe Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.
Carthage Chaple Funeral Home, Inc, 929 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204