Julia Mae Merkerson Boynton

Obituary For Julia Mae Merkerson Boynton

Reflections of Life “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 A Time to Be Born Sister Julia Mae Merkerson Boynton, the youngest of 9 children, was born to the late John Howard Merkerson and Idelia (Williams) Merkerson, on May 5, 1928, in Hastings, Florida. After the passing away of her mother at the young age of 8, she was taken in and raised by two beautiful pillars of this community; Mrs. Caretha Harris (Ms. Pie) and Mrs. Annie B. Singleton. These two wonderful women with the assistance of her father were instrumental in nurturing her to become the woman she was. Under God’s direction, Sister Julia Mae successfully implemented her life’s purpose for 96 years. A Time to Plant At an early age, Sister Boynton displayed unwavering faithfulness to Christ. She was baptized and became an active and life-long member of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, where she served until her health declined. At this point, within her heart, she supported by sending love and prayers for her church family. As a dedicated Christian, she served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, youth and angel choir director, Senior Choir president, youth department supporter, and Steward Gospel Choir founder. In addition to serving loyally for Christ at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, she dutifully supported the St. Johns River Baptist Association, People Helping People Music Ministry, St Johns County Council of Aging, and the Hastings Woman’s Corterie Club. Sister Boynton’s true Ministry was revealed in her songs, where she utilized her voice wherever and whenever needed. Sister Julia Mae Boynton attended elementary and high school in Hastings, FL. After high school, she enrolled at Florida Normal and Industrial College in St. Augustine (currently Florida Memorial University), located in Miami, FL. For years, she continued to serve the community of Hastings by providing care services as a daycare worker and a foster grandparent. A Time to Love Mrs. Julia Mae, “Lay”, as she is affectionately known, was united in marriage to the late Haymon Boynton Sr. This endearing lady was a mother, and was blessed with four children: Aldolphus Boynton, Kenneth Boynton, Clytie Boynton and Stephanie Boynton. She was honored with two loving and caring bonus children, Haymon Boynton Jr and Elizabeth Boynton-Johnson. A Time to Build Up Sister Boynton lived a life of service and dedication to God, her family, community, friends, and the many children she cared for until failing health impeded her. A Time to Rest Sister Julia Mae Merkerson Boynton departed this life on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Community Hospice and Palliative Care in St. Augustine, Florida. A Time to Keep Sister Boynton was preceded in death by her husband: Haymon Boynton Sr.; Children: Aldolphus Boynton, Kenneth Boynton, Clytie Boynton, and Haymon Boynton Jr.; Siblings: James Merkerson Eva Merkerson Pace, Cora Merkerson Harrison, John D Merkerson Sr., Slyvester Merkerson Sr., Rayfield Merkerson, Ira Merkerson Sr., and Willie Merkerson. A Time to Cherish Celebrating her homegoing and celebrating her memories are: A caring and devoted daughter, Stephanie Isaac, Hastings, FL; bonus daughter, Elizabeth Davis, Johnson, FL; Like a Daughter, Cherl Coleman(Anthony), Hastings, FL; Bonus daughter-in-law, Katherine Boynton Grandsons: Darryl Westbrook, Vantonio Westbrook of Hastings, FL and Marquel Lawton(Jaime) St. Augustine, FL; Great-grands: PV2 Darryl Jose Westbrook, Augusta, GA, KiMylah Westbrook, St.Augustine, FL, KeVaeh Johnson, Hastings, FL and Micah Williams, St. Augustine, FL Bonus Grand God-sons: Kavoris Fruster, Norfolk VA and Wesley Lockrage, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Beloved God Children: Carucha Nelson, Tallahassee, FL and Girardeaux Jones, St. Augustine, FL, and a host of bonus grand and bonus great- grand, loving and devoted nieces and nephews; Special Daughters: Deborah Hartley, Shelby Jack, Cynthia Lewis, Beatrice Jackson, Florence Chestnut and Sandra Ross-King(deceased). Adoptive Families: the Harris, Green, Pray, Kemp, Jones, and many sorrowing friends. A special thanks to St. Augustine Health and Rehab, Community Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Augustine, Pamilar Tucker, Veronica Gilliam, Martha Walker, and Sharee Couler for the love and care given to our loved one during her illness.

The family will receive friends and the community 5:6:30 p.m., Friday, June 21, @ Gethsemane MB Church, 317 Daniels St, Hastings. A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, at The Lord's Temple Church, 140 Gilmore St, Hastings. Interment will be held in Palatka Memorial Gardens

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