Polly Mae Cornwell Boyd
March 4, 1928 - December 21, 2022
Wilmington, North Carolina - Polly Mae Cornwell Boyd, 94, died peacefully on December 21, 2022, in Porter's Neck, North Carolina. She was married to Richard "Dick" Blair Boyd, Jr., who preceded her in death in 2005. Together they raised three children; Richard Blair Boyd, IV (Charlene), Francis "Frank" Cornwell Boyd (Bobbi Jo), and Sarah Elizabeth "Betsy" Keller (Keith). In addition to her children, Polly is survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; E. Blair Boyd (Abby), Michael Keller (Kristi Fisher), David D. Boyd (Myra Shanks), Tarry E. Boyd, William B. Boyd (Emerald), Abel J. Boyd, Jack R. Boyd, Katelyn Boyd, Tyler Boyd, and Zoey Boyd. Known affectionately as "Gee," Polly loved getting her family together at the annual summer beach vacation and over the Christmas holiday. She believed that Christmas happened whenever family gathered.
Born on March 4, 1928, in Chester, South Carolina, to William Ely Cornwell and Sadie Louise Murr, Polly was their longest-living child. She was predeceased by her siblings; William Murr Cornwell, Sarah Seay, Francis Eagle Cornwell and Margaret Kate Cornwell. Polly attended Erskine College and Duke University, where she earned a degree in nursing in 1950. In 1954, Polly married Dick Boyd. They moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and joined West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, where she and Dick were active members.
Polly volunteered at Sherwood Bates Elementary School where her children attended. After working part-time as a substitute nurse, she joined the medical practice of Raleigh Children and Adolescent Medicine, where she served as the office manager and accountant until her retirement in 1987.
Known for her wit and wisdom, Polly's friends appreciated her warm sense of humor and her listening ear. A woman of abiding Christian faith, Polly believed that the best way to serve God was to offer unconditional love, support, and encouragement to others. Beginning and ending each day with prayer for family and friends, Polly always asked God for the strength and guidance to be the best person she could be, and she believed that to live in the hearts one leaves behind is never to die.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 28, 2023, at St. Andrews Covenant-Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/), or to the St. Andrews Covenant-Presbyterian Church (https://www.sacpc.org/give).
Share online condolences with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald Sun on Jan. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Polly Boyd

Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.

3 Entries

DeAnne Frazier

January 23, 2023

The Boyd family were my neighbors when I was very, very young. I remember going to their house and looking out their big picture window and Betsy would play Barbie dolls with me. Mrs. Boyd was always so sweet and loving and happy! We only lived there maybe 6 months to a year but I remember them well. My father (S. David Frazier) actually saw the obituary and we had a long conversation about that time back in the 60s when we lived next to them on Edenburgh Road in Raleigh. I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother! I lost mine in October and it's a very hard thing to get over. Holding all of y'all in my thoughts and prayers!

Phyllis Mayo

January 14, 2023

Polly and Dick became special to me on their regular and attentive visits to Dick´s wonderful mother Lizzie during the years she lived at Springmoor. Polly was always warm, friendly, funny and a true delight. Her Christian character shone through in all she did.
I´m sad that the world is without her but joyful that she is with the Lord, with no limitations but only complete joy. I know you, her family, will miss her love and wisdom, and I pray God will give you peace and healing in His perfect time.
With fond memories of the Boyd family, Phyllis Mayo, (retired) Springmoor Chaplain

January 7, 2023

So sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady & loved her family deeply. I know you have many wonderful memories! Prayers for all!
AQ & Sharon

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results