"Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." – Matthew 25:21

Mrs. Maggie Lou Gilford Boyd took the Lord's hand and entered into eternal rest, after a brief illness, on Thursday, September 6, 2012. Born October 15, 1922 in Bishopville, South Carolina, she was the youngest of 14 children.

Mrs. Maggie, as she was affectionately known, was a pillar in her community, serving as neighborhood babysitter for numerous families. Oftentimes, children in the neighborhood would stop by to visit her and she would offer them butter cookies and Kool-Aid. After living for over 30 years in the Happy Hill Gardens community, Mrs. Maggie helped raise almost half of the neighborhood. Many considered her their adopted grandmother. She was a woman who possessed a quick wit, and a sharp tongue - which she did not bite. She loved to make jokes, treasured her family and friends, and enjoyed caring for children.

She was preceded in her transition into glory by her parents; all of her siblings; her husband, Willie Edward Boyd; a daughter, Katie Mae Williams; and a grandson, Daryl Dion Boyd.

Mrs. Maggie leaves to cherish her loving memories two sons, Willie Lee (Otelia) Boyd and Jimmy Lee (Shirley) Boyd; three daughters, Annie Mae (David) Brown of Linden, New Jersey, Eloise Boyd, and Frances (Waunzo) Sherard of the city; 18 grand-children; 35 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Mrs. Maggie was a lifelong member of St. John Baptist Church, where she served on the Nursing Board until her health began to decline. While she never met a stranger (she would ask "who your people?"), Mrs. Maggie has left a legacy of humor, caring, and nurturing within her children and grandchildren. She will be missed by all.

A celebration of life will be held at 1pm Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1pm on Tuesday at the Church.