On Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 7:26 a.m. our Heavenly Father who is sovereign and never makes errors whispered, “Come home my child” at the Bailey Family Center for Care in St. Augustine, Fl. Mother Miriam entered eternal rest without fight or struggle! Her mission in this earthly realm has been completed.
Miriam Antionette Robinson Boyd was born on July 23, 1941, in Hastings, Fl. In infancy, this child was raised with love and admiration by Marion and Anna Belle Esau-Robinson. Miriam grew up, surrounded by family; an abundance of aunts, uncles, and cousins. It did not matter if it was Esau or Linder-Hiers-Stephens families, she embraced all her family with love. Close friends were a treasure to her, and she esteemed these friendships above all else.
Miriam was educated in the St. Johns County School System and was an alum of Walter E. Harris High School, graduating Class of 1959. She aspired to become a licensed cosmetologist and accomplished this task by graduating from the Sunlight School of Beauty Culture in Miami, Fl. Her life would change forever when she met the man of her dreams, Lessie J Boyd, II in 1960. She was introduced to him by Ruby Lee Andrews, her cousin David Richardson’s fiancé. They would be joined in holy matrimony on December 24, 1961, at Pompey’s Temple COGIC in Hastings, Fl. by Superintendent John H. Pompey. This would be a compassionate, fun-filled romance of 64 plus years “without separation” she would always say. Our mother adored the ground dad walked on and he in turn lavished her with the standard she had known all her life. Their marriage was an example to all; that we must remain faithful to the commitment of marriage. As a result; of this marriage three children were born: Lessie Joseph (L.J.) Boyd, III, Marion Charles Boyd, Sr, and Anna Belle Nachelle Boyd.
Mother Boyd relocated to Cheswold, De (near Dover, De) and remained a resident of Delaware for forty-five years. During her early residency, she was employed at: W.L. Wheatley, Leeds, Kraft General Food (1975-1996), Walmart (1997-2000), and Hardee’s (2003-2005).
Her church affiliation in Delaware was with two churches: Bibleway Temple COGIC and Lifting Up Holy Hands Ministries for Jesus Christ. After many years at Bibleway, she felt the leading of the Holy Ghost to assist at Lifting Up Holy Hands under the pastorate of Apostle Marionette Watkins. There she became a Church Mother for over 10 years. When her mission was accomplished, she returned to Bibleway Temple COGIC under the leadership of Bishop L.T. Blackshear. Mother Boyd served in several capacities at Bibleway Temple COGIC, this included: Mother’s Board, Mass Choir, Usher, and Soloist. In later years, Mother Boyd and Deacon Boyd returned to Hastings, Fl and became members of The Lord’s Temple City of Refuge Ministries under the pastoral care of Bishop Thomas Cave, III. She became an intricate part of the ministry’s soup kitchen (i.e. Bread of Heaven) and an irreplaceable prayer warrior on the church’s conference call prayer line. Bishop Cave could always count on her to sing a solo with or without notice. Mother Boyd was a devout Christian that was dedicated to her faith. She gave her life to Christ as an early teenager. She had a deep passion for singing all her life. Mother Boyd was an exceptional vocalist that could sing all 3 parts of harmony. People were so amazed at her vocal ability that she sang Our Father’s Prayer at her High School’s Commencement program in 1959. Family legend says she was offered an opportunity to sing with the world-renown Dixie Hummingbirds of Philadelphia, Pa. Her husband was a gifted singer and guitarist; they along with Ruby Lee Richardson, David Richardson, Arthur Lee Coley, and others formed the group, The Florida Specials. She was a singer in high demand all her life and could be heard singing at: funerals, revivals, church programs, conferences, and every family gathering. Her signature songs included: “Don’t Let the Devil Ride”, “I Won’t Complain”, “The Last Mile of the Way “, His Eyes is On the Sparrow” to name a few. We will never forget Mother Boyd was indeed a fashion diva; all clothing had to be color-coordinated without flaw. She believed that a woman was best dressed when she wore a pretty dress or a classy two-piece suit with required accessories. She loved clothes, but she also believed we are blessed the most when we give the most. Mother Boyd epitomized generosity, nothing was too much to give a person in need, this included her clothing. Her laughter, singing, prayers, and liberality may have left the room, but her memory will never leave our hearts. The family truly lost a treasure, but heaven gained a singing angel!
Mother Boyd was preceded in death by: Hattie Lou Chisom, Deacon Marion Robinson, and Anna Belle Esau-Robinson.

She leaves to cherish her memories and to carry her legacy:
· Loving and Devoted Husband~Deacon L.J. Boyd, II
· Caring Children~L.J. Boyd, III (Maybelle), Marion Charles Boyd, Sr. (Linda), and Anna Belle Nachelle Boyd
· Wonderful Sister-in-Law~Ora D. Peach
· Grandchildren~Delshaundra D. Boyd, L.J. Boyd, IV, Jonathan N.B. Boyd, Tre’vis J. Boyd (Sarah), Monica D. Boyd, Rachel D. Boyd, and Marion C. Boyd, Jr.
· Great-Grands~Jalen, Cameron, Marveno, Kingston, and Derrion
· Nieces/Nephews~Kevelyn L. Chess (Alonzo), Richmond, CA; Kenneth E. Miller (Veronica), San Pablo, CA; Christalyn R. Peach, and Justin M. Peach, Dallas, TX
· God-sister~Rosetta Esau, Loretta Jackson
· God-daughters~Min. Dorothy Montgomery, Janice Coleman, Antionette Vanessa Lee, Pamela Willis, and Kayla Franklin
· Lifelong Sister~Missionary Lillian Umpstead
· Like Cousins~The Williams (Todd, Eric, Angela, & Ruby)
· Family Friends~The Chestnuts (Pastor Randall & Lady Florence),
The Washingtons (Pastors Chris & Juanita)
· Like Family~Natterlene Gilmore “Bad Baby”, Malcolm Thompson, and Sandra Kenon
· Many relatives in the Linder-Hiers-Stephens, Esau, Giles-Luckett-Boyd, and Vance Families

Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2026, at The Lord's Temple, 140 Gilmore St, Hastings, Florida

A Celebration of Life: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19, at The Lord's Temple, 140 Gilmore St, Hastings, Florida

Interment will be held in Rest Haven Cemetery