Mattie Margaret Boyd

Mattie Margaret Boyd, age 85, passed away Aug. 31, 2012. She was born in Dardanelle, Ark. to Harvey Eugene and Mildred Jennings McVay on May 27, 1927. A few years later, the family moved to Dyess, Ark., where they were one of the first families to farm in Dyess Colony. She loved telling stories about her childhood there, and knowing Johnny Cash as a kid. In 1946 while visiting a childhood friend in Cabot, she met and married the love of her life, Virgil Ray Boyd. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1, 2012. They welcomed their daughter, Patricia Ann in 1949, and their son, Donald Ray in 1953. Donald was tragically taken from them at the age of 21 in an ambulance accident. After this they focused on building up their newly purchased funeral home business. Margaret was a long time member of Lonoke Palm Street Church of Christ, and a Lioness Club member. She was co-owner of Boyd Funeral Home, and worked side by side with Virgil in the funeral business for over 60 years. She was a self-taught florist, and the original owner of M & M Florist which is still operating. Her proudest accomplishment was her family, especially her two granddaughters whom she adored. They were the sunshine in her life. Even though she was confined to bed these last few months, she would light up each time they came to see her. Kasi would sing to her, and Kyla would read her Bible lessons. Margaret was one of the most giving and loving persons anyone could meet. She always had a large smile and a friendly greeting for everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but especially by her family whom she took such good care of, and loved her so very much. Preceding her in death were her parents, her son Donald; her grandson Doyle Wayne Baldwin; and two brothers, Troy and Herbert McVay. Survivors include her husband, Virgil Boyd; daughter, Pat Boyd Baldwin of Lonoke; two granddaughters, Kyla Baldwin (Steven Fortune) of Cabot and Kasi Baldwin–Ellis (Matt) of Sherwood; sister, Violet Sexton of Austin; two brothers, Bobby (Virgene) McVay of Illinois and Jim (Marilyn) McVay of South Carolina; brothers and sisters in-law, Geneva Boyd (Thomas) Hassen and Kenneth (Margaret) Boyd of Cabot, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Palm Street Church of Christ. Visitation will be at the Church from 6-8 p.m. Monday. Interment will be in Butlerville Cemetery. Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome.net. Memorials may be made to Palm Street Church of Christ, P.O. Box 588, Lonoke, Ark. 72086.