Lela Catherine (Yeary) Lawson Boyd

She was born December 11th, 1924 in Burnet County Texas. She was known to most as “Catherine”, to a high school friend as “Kitty”, to her five kids friends she was an adoptive Mom, and to many more a cherished friend.

Catherine's life spanned nearly a century of living ninety- nine years and 39 days.

She was a strong, stubborn woman who learned early on in life of hard work.

Catherine was a descendant of early families in the Lake Victor, Naruna and Burnet area. The Keele and Yeary families.

Catherine was the eldest of five born to Callaway Yeary and Zella V. Keele Yeary. Their family struggled during the depression in the 1920s and 30s but always had a homemade cake on Sunday and maybe some iced tea.

Both of her parents died very young, leaving the five children. Catherine lived with Clyde and Joanne Keele until finishing High School in 1942. The senior class worked on the installation of the auditorium floor so that the class could graduate. After high school, Catherine met and married J.D. Lawson. They had one daughter, Charlotte.

J.D was killed in action in WWII. Catherine was a single mom for many years. She married Chester Gordon Boyd Sr. on January 24th 1952. To this union were four children: Barbara, Chester, William, and Lela. Catherine and Gordon spent 54 years together before his death on April 28th, 2005. Catherine was a faithful member of Vanderveer Church of Christ for the largest part of her life, but as her health failed she was unable to attend.

Feeding a large family was a challenge, but food was always prepared and ready for family, extended family and friends. She was known for her home cooking and especially her pies. A special friend, Patsy Thomas, loved her pie crusts with no filling, which Catherine took delight in making just for her. She was a good neighbor, a rare treasure in today's world.

Surviving is a sister Jonelle McMahan of Lometa, sister in law Sherry Yeary of Abilene, daughters, Charlotte Hyman of Bertram, Barbara Owen of Burnet, Lela Boyd of Burnet, sons, Chester Jr. (wife Victoria) of Lewisville, William (wife Carol), of Buchanan Dam. Grandsons Russell Hyman (wife Penny) of Dekalb, Trent Hyman (wife Melissa) of Sherman, Michael Owen (wife Traci) of Yukon, Ok., Jeff Owen (wife Debra) of Sanger, Granddaughters Michelle Boyd of Weatherford, and Brittny Boyd of Mansfield. Several great grand children and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, Callaway and Zella Yeary, brothers Lamar and Edward, sister Melba Schwertner and son in law DeWayne Hyman.

Pallbearers are, Michael Owen, Jeff Owen, Russell Hyman, Trent Hyman, Kyle Hyman and honorary pallbearers, Kelly Thomas, James Boyd, and Coach Bill Boyd.

Service to be held at Vanderveer Church of Christ. January 22nd, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation one hour prior to service. Private burial at Post Mountain Cemetery, Burnet.

Memorials may be made to: Cherokee Children's Home, or any charity of your choice.