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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
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Patricia Boyd Obituary
September 27, 1934 - May 18, 2025
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - Patricia "Pat" Cowden Boyd joined the angels on Sunday, May 18th at the age of 90. Pat would cringe at the mention of her age, famously claiming, "age is only a number, and mine is unlisted."
Born on September 27, 1934, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Matthew James (MJ) Cowden and Mary McFadden, Patricia Anne Cowden grew up surrounded by the sweet aromas and delights of her father's job at Hershey's- while she was still young, her family moved down to Raleigh, NC.
Pat was a glamorous and multifaceted woman who wore many titles with warmth and grace. As the matriarch of her family, she held many roles throughout her life. In 1956, Pat was crowned Maid of Cotton in Memphis, Tennessee, famously planting a kiss on the cheek of Elvis before he walked on stage that night in one of the most iconic photographs imaginable. Their courtship ended there.
In 1958, while working as a model and actress in New York City, she traveled to Durham, North Carolina to promote a play. There she met Ty Boyd, who was emceeing the event. Pat and Ty had their first date on July 19th, 1959. After a brief courtship, Ty proposed. When Pat told the story, she loved to say that she never said "Yes"- but "When?" They married on October 18th, 1959.
With Ty, she began her greatest adventure: motherhood and entrepreneurship. Together, they raised six children in Charlotte. In 1980, Pat and Ty co-founded an executive coaching company- Ty Boyd Inc- and traveled the world teaching the art of communication. Among their many travels, Pat's favorite were their African safaris-she developed a lifelong love for elephants, evident in the art that adorned their Charlotte home.
Pat was lovingly known as "Pat Pat" to her eleven grandchildren and "Gigi" to her two great-grandchildren. She and Ty loved hosting family gatherings and you could often find kids and grandkids at their home laughing and playing pool.
Pat is survived by her children Tempe, Mimi, Robert (Kate), Eliot (Kerry), and Molly (Jim); grandchildren Alexa, Eliza, Neil, Eliot, Miller, Charlie, Lindsey, Audrey, Cooper, Eleanor and Jameson; and great-grandchildren Belle and Tommy. She is reunited in Heaven with her husband Ty Boyd, who passed in 2020; and her eldest daughter Anne, who passed in 2017.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday June 20th in St Gabriel's Catholic Church with Father Frank O'Rourke as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude's. Please visit her online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by Quinn Shalz funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Boyd
Sponsored by The Charlotte Observer.
Marilynn Bowler
September 21, 2025
Happy 91st Birthday to the beautiful and simply wonderful Pat Boyd! You were spectacular on Earth and we all know you're spectacular in Heaven.
With much love, Marilynn Bowler & Family (Bob will give you a birthday hug up there, himself.)
Ann Shaw Cornelson
June 21, 2025
Pat and I grew up together on Byrd St. in Raleigh I was 1 week older. We had a great neighborhood, lots of children playing in the street until our parents called us in for supper. I married soon after college. My husband George was stationed at Wright-Patterson AF Base inn Dayton. Ohio Pat was touring the country as Maid of Cotton. She was our first house guest. I was a young bride. Both of us were excited about our new roles in life.
Through out our years we have kept up and I always thought of her on 09/27. We both have been fortunate in our journey. Blessings to you. Ann Shaw Cornelson
Laurie Lynch
June 21, 2025
Molly - This is "Laurie from Carmel." I much prefer to offer my condolences in person, but I was unable to attend Carmel after your Mom's service. I loved your Mom. She (and your Dad) were always so kind to me. Your eulogy was heartfelt and the perfect blend of humor, admiration and emotion. Your parents were with us, in spirit, and I'm sure they were so proud of you! I only cried a couple of times - which was a good thing since I didn't have any tissues. Now, when you walked out with your Mom's urn, well, that's a different story. Lol. I know this is hard for you but your Dad has been waiting for your Mom for too long. I'm so happy they are young, healthy and together again...forever. Oh, and I will cherish my penny forever!
Marilynn and Bob Bowler
June 18, 2025
Dear Tempe, Mimi, Robert, Elliot and Molly ~ Not only talented, smart, kind and beautiful, your mother was generous in words and deeds. And incredibly fun to be around. From our two families sitting together at St. Gabriel Church when our children (11 between us!) were little through all of life's happy and challenging years, the Boyds and Bowlers stayed in touch. We'll miss her but we KNOW she's so happy to be with Ty and Anne once again. Sent to you all with sympathy and love.
Kevin Sullivan
June 18, 2025
Pat led a wonderful life of family, fun and travel. Pat and Ty together were such an asset for the fast-growing city of Charlotte. She'll be missed.
John Paul Galles
June 17, 2025
What a wonderful tribute to the precious Patricia Boyd who was always gracious, thoughtful, caring, brilliant and beautiful. She was a peach. Together with Ty, they were a pear! Their spirits still shine brightly through all that met them and knew them. They made life better on this earth!
Frank Deal
June 6, 2025
Mrs. Boyd was truly a jewel to our city-and beyond! When I owned the restaurant next to the office, I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the whole family. And it was the family. That was always clear from the Boyds, family was always first. Of course the Boyd family included blood and the family they chose for themselves! :)
I always admired the Boyd's marriage as well. Such grace, love, admiration and dedication. Theirs was a true partnership. A partnership that produced children of the same mindset. All loving and caring.
Peace be with the whole family and please, celebrate on June 20th because that's what it should be. A celebration of a wonderful person!
Karen Bishop Barrett
June 6, 2025
Lovely lady. Beautiful memories for family and friends. kB in Florida
Sylvia Tomlinson
June 4, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Pat was such a lovely lady.
Alex
June 4, 2025
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." my condolences to you and your family, I know how much you love Mama, Mrs Boyd was one the sweetest person I have ever came across, it was an honor caring her, I love Mama she was such a beautiful woman with gold heart, she was a mom to everybody at vicars landing, she will be miss, may her soul rest in peace
Alex
June 4, 2025
My condolences to the Boyd families, especially to Molly, I know how much you love Mama, Mrs Boyd was a loving woman, she was a mom to everybody and loved being called (mama), I miss her every day, may God sustain the Boyd families during this sorrow time, and my pat pat soul rest in peace.
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Funeral services provided by:
Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
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