Christine Jane Williams Boyed

It is very difficult to summarize a person, a life, 87 years, in a few paragraphs… Today there is a sadness that runs deep. The person who has known me before I knew myself, who raised my mom, who loved me, shared her home, her joys, her life with me, is now a memory…

I have nothing but respect, love and admiration for my Grandmother Christine Jane Boyed. Her story is one full of joy, tragedy, love, grace, generosity, class and beauty.

She was born in Sheffield, Alabama, on September 4, 1928. To Ernest and Dora Williams. Her mother passed away when she was a young girl, and during that time it was frowned upon for a man to raise a house full of young girls by himself, so she and her sisters were moved to the Tennessee Children’s home. Those years were full of sadness, loss, hard work and struggle. She did not have a childhood. My grandma would tell of having one pair of boots that would have to last year round despite the fluctuating weather conditions. Her daddy worked hard for the railroad and sent money to the Orphanage. She was never taken into a permanent home, but she worked as a domestic helper from a young age. In 1944 at the age of 16, she met the man she would marry; James Penny Meade, in the diner she was working in. He would become her first husband, and the father to her 5 children (James Penny, Jr., Leon “Squeak” (Deceased), David Earnest (Deceased), Judi Elaine, & Timothy Alan.

James was in the Army so they spent their married life travelling to various stations around the world, like Italy, Germany & West Point, New York. She often talked about how much she loved Italy! She loved dressing up in beautiful gowns, enjoying evenings out dining and dancing! She always dressed like a lady, and boy could she accessorize! She was the belle of the ball! Something she had never known before!

Raising her family and seeing the world was among her greatest joys! Along with adventure, the military also brought family tragedies. In 1967 her oldest son left for Vietnam, and experienced a tragic helicopter crash that left him severely wounded, requiring extensive medical and therapeutic support. Because her family was a dedicated military family, her son David also accepted a military commitment. In 1970, David lost his life serving his country in the Vietnam War. These losses forever changed Christine, and when her husband, who knew war best, decided to return to Vietnam for another tour, their marriage wasn’t strong enough to survive the pain, and loss that war had placed on them, and they would divorce as a result.

The next years brought a lot of growth and change for Christine. She decided to go back to school to become a nurse, there she found a passion as a caregiver that continues to present itself in her descendants-as we have nurses, therapists, EMT’s, and other caregiver roles in her children and grandchildren. Christine graduated from nursing with honors, and enjoyed a rich nursing career. Her career also introduced her the man who would become the love of her life. Carl Daniel Boyed. He was a patient in her office, and she and another nurse both noticed him. He would later choose her; they were married in Feb. 1972. They enjoyed a life together that involved many outdoor pursuits like camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and flying. Together they watched their children grow up, and welcome children of their own. Christine & Carl introduced their hobbies to their children and grandchildren. Many summers were spent together at Timothy Lake-the family favorite, camping, fishing, checking crawdad traps, swimming, and enjoying meals around the campfire, snipe hunting, and card games in the camper.

Holidays at Grandma’s were the best! She always acknowledged and knew how to make every event special! Everything was decorated beautifully, and the best meals were made in her kitchen! She was always very generous and everyone always had a gift or two. Easters and Christmas were among the favorites! She never missed a birthday or special event. She loved giving gifts. She always had a childlike wonder and excitement for these special occasions! Making it magical for everyone she was around.

She had a strong faith, knowing God would see her through. Often sharing something her mother had said to her as a young girl, “You never know when you are entertaining Angels…” Her heart was genuine, and she was always generous with her time and resources. She volunteered at the nursing home regularly, creating special display cases for the residents that brought their childhood memories to life. They always were anxious to see the new displays she would bring!

Christine was a collector of many things, but dolls were her passion! She spent many hours researching and restoring antique dolls, her childhood doll Skootles, a Cupie was among her favorites. Her grandchildren enjoyed many hours playing with her Barbies, Evil Kinievel, and G.I. Joe dolls along with draping themselves in her “glamorous” jewels!

Because she wanted to know and connect with her history, she spent many hours researching her family’s heritage. Through this research she found relations to Davy Crockett, The Duke of Argyle, Abraham Lincoln, Tom Hanks and Conan O’Brian! She was excited about these discoveries!

Despite the struggles and tragedies she experienced, she would rise above and continue to see the good in things, and find joy in times with her family. She would say she loved being around her great grandchildren because they made her feel young! She clung to the belief that she would be reunited with her loved ones that were taken from her early. Her best features were her laugh, her smile, and her ability to find joy in the small things! Because of her, I learned the value of celebrating the special times with those you love. She has also taught me that despite what life puts in your path, no matter how difficult, I should not spend to much time dwelling on disappointments, struggles or mistakes, because life is full of those things, but it is also full of happiness, surprises, celebrations and lots of love and laughter. And although we must go through tough times, it is in those times that you are pushed to grow, and those times help us to truly appreciate the good times. On November 16th, 2015, “she got her wings”, and I know she is on her way to entertaining the Angels.