Helen Bernice "Nipper" Boyd

Helen Bernice Nipper Boyd, age 79, a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home. She served with McMinn County Board of Education as a bus driver for over 25 years. Helen loved spending time with her family. She was a faithful member of Hilltop Baptist Church.

She was born on November 18, 1946, to the late Joe and Ofa Mae Harrison Nipper. Helen is further preceded by her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Paul and Ruby Boyd, a sister: Betty Jo Nipper Hicks, and a brother-in-law: Kenneth Boyd.

Helen is survived by her loving husband of 62 years: Charles Boyd, her daughters: Tina Newman (Danny) and Tanya Brackner (Eric), grandchildren: Kayla Brackner Cooley (Kyle), Zachary Newman, Eli Brackner, a very special and well-loved great-granddaughter whom was the light of her life: Marlee Kay Cooley, a brother: J.C. Nipper (Dorinda), and her sisters-in-law: Nina Boyd, Patricia Vincent (Floyd), and Diane King (Albert Junior).

Visitation will be held at Hilltop Baptist Church on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 PM. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at McMinn Memory Gardens with Brother Fred Russell and Brother Adam Henry officiating.

Danny Newman, Eric Brackner, Zachary Newman, Eli Brackner, Kyle Cooley, Greg Daugherty will serve as pallbearers. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Cody Walden and Tony Vincent.

You are invited to sign the guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Helen Bernice Nipper Boyd.