Irene Boyd

Irene Whitmore Boyd CHESAPEAKE - Irene Whitmore Boyd, 88, passed away June 24, 2009, in Chesapeake Place Assisted Living. Mrs. Boyd was born in Danville, Va., on Feb. 3, 1921. She was the daughter of the late John William Whitmore and Lottie Jones Whitmore. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Albert Boyd Sr. and four brothers, Harry David Whitmore, Robert J. Whitmore, John William Whitmore and James R. Whitmore. She grew up in Virgilina, Va., and after the death of her mother she lived with her uncle and aunt, Bob and Dot Whitmore. After high school, she married Albert M. Boyd and after two years they moved to Norfolk, where they lived for 56 years before moving to Virginia Beach. She was employed by J.C. Penney Co. and became one of the first women department managers to obtain this position in the company. She retired with 24 years of service. Irene was a loyal member of Virginia Heights Baptist Church where she faithfully served in many positions over the years; teacher of young people in training union, WMU, preschool nursery for 25 years, director of Homebound Dept. and Tape Ministry with weekly visitation for 16 years, Missions Committee of Norfolk Baptist Association, church choir member for 45 years. She also volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels, and Lake Taylor Hospital for nine years. Her life was highlighted by the love and unity she brought to her husband, sons and family. She was a beloved wife, a very caring and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and true friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. Irene is survived by her two sons, Albert M. Boyd Jr. and wife Gayle of Chesapeake and Donald A. Boyd and wife Linda of Venice, Fla.; five grandsons, Brent Boyd and wife Leigh of Columbia, S.C., Michael Boyd and wife Amy of Ashburn, Va., Alan Boyd and wife Sue of Columbia, Md., Kevin Boyd and wife Kristen of Bradenton, Fla., and Keith Boyd of Atlanta. She also is survived by seven great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, at Virginia Height Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Virginia Heights Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. Please share your love and condolences with the family at www.mem.com.