Norma "Jean" Boyd

Norma "Jean" Hanks Boyd was born May 7, 1931 to Fletcher and Minnie Lou Hanks in the community of Possum Trot, Texas, a small community in Daphne Prairie near Mount Pleasant. She was the oldest and only daughter of their three children. Her brother, Harold Max, died as an infant, and two years later, her brother Bud was born. Norma and Bud held a special bond throughout their lives.

Jean was born into a loving family of very modest means. Watching her parents struggle to make an honest living through the Great Depression years, she developed a deep work ethic and priority for family in her own life. She eloped with her high school sweetheart, Claude Boyd, when she was barely 16. They completed high school the following year in Talco, Texas while Claude played football and Jean was head cheerleader and crowned football queen. Claude and Jean remained deeply committed to one another throughout their 77 year marriage.

During their early marriage, they moved with Claude pursuing different jobs while they also had their two children, Speedy and Karen. Claude then went to nighttime Bible college and became a Baptist preacher and Jean, took on the many additional roles of a minister's wife.

After several years, Claude left full time ministry and the family moved to Garland, Texas where Claude began a career at Texas Instruments in Dallas, and Jean began her secretarial career at Geotech in Garland, eventually becoming the Executive Secretary for the President of Geotech. She had a reputation for meticulous, quality work, a stylish professionalism, and a graceful beauty in all that she did.

Jean's devotion to her faith, family and friends never wavered. Jean was known as an outstanding cook, especially for her after church Sunday pot roasts and her delicious pies. She and Claude spent about 10 years Square Dancing where they made many friends and countless special memories. Jean enjoyed being actively involved in both Speedy and Karen's extracurricular sporting and school events – never missing any of their many games and performances.

As Speedy and Karen married and had their own children, Jean and Claude became known as "Big Mama" and Claude as "Papau". Once retired, they moved back home to Mt. Pleasant, bought land, built a home, and became committed members of First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant where they made many wonderful friends and enjoyed serving for many years. As women in her family aged, Jean served as primary caregiver for her mom, Baye; step mother 'n law, Dessie; her Aunt Dorothy; and her cousin, Patsy Ruth. She also counted it a blessing to care for a time for her great-grandson, Dylan.

Norma Jean died at home this past Monday at the age of 92 surrounded by family. We celebrate her being in her forever home now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and we rejoice to know we will see her again.

Jean is survived by her husband, Claude Boyd; son and daughter 'n law, Speedy and Glenna Boyd; daughter and son 'n law, Karen and Rick Fountain; granddaughter and husband, Dawn and Rick Zachry; grandson and wife, Justin and Maricela Fountain; granddaughter, Jade Fountain; great-grandchildren, Dylan Zachry and wife, Tatum; Jabo Zachry; Gabby Zachry; Isabela Fountain; Ian Fountain; Scarlett Fountain; LP Towne; Victoria Towne; Titus Towne; Ben Towne; Virginia Towne; James Towne; and great-great grandchild, Millie Zachry. Jean is also survived by her brother, Bud Hanks, and her niece and husband, Kris and Tracy Elliott.

A service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the First Baptist Church at 11:00 AM. A visitation will start at 10:00 AM. A burial will follow after the service to Bridges Chapel Cemetery.

An online obituary is now available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome.com