Ms. Mary Ellen Dunbar Boyd

Mary Ellen Dunbar Boyd, age 76, of Columbia, South Carolina, formerly a long-time resident of Long Beach, California departed this earthly journey at Providence Hospital on December 13, 2018.  Mary was the eldest of seven children.

Mary was born on April 24, 1942 in Newberry, South Carolina. She grew up in Newberry and Columbia.  Mary married Henry Boyd in 1958.  Although most of her life was spent in South Carolina, Mary raised her three children; David, Valerie and Rickey in Long Beach, California from 1967-1988.

Mary was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and sister.  Mary loved holidays and family get-togethers; any chance to spend time with her family was important to her.  She would spend hours cooking and preparing for her family.  Besides her incredible cooking skills, Mary was an amazing seamstress that loved crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed playing card games like bidwiz, spades and bingo (her fave) with family and friends.

Mary was also a courageous soul who retired from being a Physical Therapist Supervisor to live her dream of owning a clothing store.  Although the store was short lived, she went right back to her God given talent of helping others as a Nursing Assistant. 

Mary was known for her quiet, calm and helpful nature.  We were all blessed to have known Mary who always left her door and heart open for those who needed her.  She will be missed by all that knew her.  She has left us a legacy of goodwill, kindness, support and love.

Mary is preceded in death by: her parents, James and Ruby Crooks; her husband, Henry Boyd; and one sister, Betty Bell.

Her fond memories will be cherished by: two sons, David H. Boyd of Columbia, South Carolina and Rickey D. Boyd of Long Beach, California, one daughter, Valerie D. Boyd of Long Beach, California; two brothers, Thomas Crooks and Leroy (Debra) Crooks; three sisters, Ruby Jones, Peggy Crooks and Patricia Crooks; ten grandchildren, Latasha (Sheldon) Jackson, Gregory Brooks, Tamara Boyd, Destiney Boyd, Crystal Boyd, Jessica Boyd, Ashley Boyd, David Boyd, Jr., Dominique Boyd and Rickey Boyd, Jr.; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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