Esther Bell Boyd

Esther was born on May 18, 1926 in Wampee, South Carolina, a daughter of Oree Jerome and Reatha (Carter) Bell.

She married Paul Austin Boyd on June 29, 1951 in Wampee, SC who survives her.

Also surviving are son Michael Boyd of Washington, DC; son Dean Boyd and wife Tanya of Allen, TX; daughter Terrie Swilling and husband Mark of Garland, TX; daughter Jan Harres and husband Charlie of Allen, TX; and grandchildren Derrick Boyd, Dillon Boyd, Paul Swilling and wife Lauren; Caroline Swilling, Natalie Harres and Andrew Harres. Three sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews also survive her.

Esther was a member of First Baptist Church Plano since moving to Texas in 1974. She was a much-loved preschool teacher at FBC Child Development Center for 17 years. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Following college, she taught high school home economics. She tried to instill these talents in her children – the girls caught on quickly, the boys not so much.

She was a great cook and loved entertaining her family and friends. Other interests included gardening, crosswords, playing bridge, shopping for a bargain, and visiting her extended family in coastal South Carolina.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Ted Dickey Funeral Home located at 2128 18th Street, Plano, Texas 75074.

The funeral service for Esther will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at the First Baptist Church of Plano, located at 1300 East 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75074. Burial will follow at Plano Mutual Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Plano.

Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano, Texas has charge of arrangements.