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Vanita BOYD Obituary

BOYD, Vanita E.

Vanita E. Boyd passed away peacefully on March 17, 2014. She was born, Vanita Watts, in West Palm Beach, FL on December 1, 1922. Vanita's nickname, "Toy" was given to her by her brother, Vernon. When she was born, he thought she was his promised "toy" for being good, and for the next 91 years, Vanita was "Toy" to all who knew her. Vanita was a beautiful lady with elegance and grace and had a very loving and caring heart. She was extremely special to her family and will be greatly missed. She will always be remembered for the wonderful person she was. She was the daughter of Gladys and Vernon L. Watts, and was proud to be a descendant of two West Palm Beach pioneer families. Her paternal grandfather, John Watts, owned the first jewelry store on Clematis Street and later built the long lasting business, Watt's Cement Pottery. Her maternal grandfather, Charles A. Woodruff, was appointed Post Master in Juno Beach, FL, in 1891. He later opened the first general store in West Palm Beach. Vanita was married to Donald Forrest Boyd of Wilkes Barre, PA in 1939. They were happily married for 72 years. After her husband retired from Southern Bell Telephone Company, they moved to the mountains of North Carolina where they enjoyed a wonderful retirement. They were members of the Saluda Presbyterian Church in Saluda, NC. They later moved to Vero Beach, FL and were members of the First Methodist Church. Finally, they returned to Palm Beach County where they lived with their daughter Linda in Boynton Beach, FL. Vanita was preceded in death by her husband, Donald (2011), her brothers, Gene and Vernon and her sisters, Evelyn and Ellen. She is survived by her brother, Earl "Sparky" Watts (Minnie) of North Carolina and sister, June Ryan (Jim) of Wellington, FL and her children, Donald R. Boyd (Sally) of Wellington, FL, Linda D. Boyd of Boynton Beach, FL, Larry E. Boyd (Sharon) of West Palm Beach, FL, Jeffrey Boyd of North Carolina, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A family celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vanita's honor to Hospice of Palm Beach County.

To express condolences and/or make donations: Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

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

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Apr. 4 to Apr. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

friend of family

April 5, 2014

What an amazing person to know. Wishing peace to the family.Her presence brought joy, happiness and peace. You will be missed.

Mary Jane Lockman

April 5, 2014

Don, Linda and Larry: Margaret sent me this notice and I am so sorry to learn of Toy's passing. I have not seen her in many years and the last time I saw Don and Linda was at my brother, David's, Memorial Service and did not have much time to visit that day. Toy was a person I always remember as being lots of fun and I'm sorry our family hasn't kept closer over the years. Our thoughts are prayers are with you at this time.
Mary Jane and Carey Lockman

Jim Grantham

April 5, 2014

So sorry to hear the passing of your Mother... Don, Linda and Larry may our LORD give you Strength and Peace during this time... I have many memories of your entire family and I feel as though I was part of your family... To all concern I love you all and will too miss your Mother...

Margaret Delo

April 4, 2014

Dear Don, Linda, Larry, and Jeff and families ~ Sandee Watts called me today to tell me about your Mom, and I am SO SORRY to hear this! I am really angry at myself, too, because I have been intending to get up to Boynton to see her. She was a great lady and so much fun, and their marriage was such a beautiful example to ALL of us! I know I asked you this when your Dad passed away, too, but PLEASE let me know when you are going to have her Memorial Service! I remember Don and Linda coming to my brother David's Memorial Service, and we appreciated it so much! I only live less than an hour away in Coral Springs and would genuinely love to be able to join you for that. My phone #954-344-9482. I was the daughter of Beulah (Watts) and Raymond Lindsey. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time! Love and blessings, Gordy and Margaret Delo

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