Bessie Mae Boynton

Bessie Mae Boynton was born to the late Margaret Bradley and Clarence Young on February 26, 1926, in Mayport, Florida. She was raised by her parents and spent quality time with her maternal grandparents, Paul and Emma Bradley, on their farm.

Bessie’s paternal grandfather, Joseph Young, born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica was a cook on a merchant marine ship and her paternal grandmother, Maria Young, was born and raised in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Bessie confessed her faith and love for Christ at an early age. She attended St. Paul’s Catholic School during her elementary years and graduated from Stanton High School in Jacksonville, Florida, where she enjoyed performing with the marching band as a majorette.

Bessie met her loving future husband, Arthur Boynton Jr., on Easter Sunday in 1941, and married on December 16, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida. To this union, six children were born: Larry, Alvin, Joyce, Anthony, Brenda, and Gwendolyn.

Bessie was a supportive military wife for 32 years, while her husband graciously fought in three wars: World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. While traveling abroad, she raised several children in addition to her own.

Bessie had a myriad of phenomenal qualities including, but not limited to, being a fabulous cook. A few of her specialties included decadent sweet potato pie and chocolate cake, incredible chicken salad, and amazing beef soup among several other great dishes. Bessie was a wonderful conversationalist and listener often drawing people closer to her. Bessie loved children and they loved her back while being captivated by her calming spirit. Some have referred to her as the “child whisperer”.

Bessie enjoyed social outings and spending time with family and friends. Bessie has always been an avid college football fan enjoying bowl games and attending the Circle City Classic football game held in downtown Indianapolis for many years. She always looked forward to the battle of the bands. Bessie was also an avid music lover, primarily of gospel music with Tamela Mann, The Winans’, and Mahalia Jackson being a few of her favorite artists. She also enjoyed rhythm & blues music and had great memories of attending Barry White and Luther Vandross concerts with her three daughters.

In addition, many will recall Bessie’s beautiful hat collection including many fancy and unique styles which she wore so well. Hat shopping was truly one of her hobbies.

Bessie was outspoken and stern although gentle and kind. Although Bessie was small in stature, she was tall in spirit. Some of her common sayings to let her children know where she stood were, “Right church, wrong pew” or “I’m a little piece of leather, but well put together.”

Bessie joined Light of the World Christian Church on January 6, 1980, was baptized on January 13, 1980, and a faithful church member for over 44 years. Bessie had an array of wonderful qualities; however, the most endearing is that she was a God-fearing, faithful woman consistently praying for her family.

Bessie was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, two brothers, and three children (Alvin, Brenda, and Larry Boynton).

Bessie leaves to cherish her memory: Sisters, Jacqueline Hairston and Cheyenne Wesley; Children: Joyce Boynton-Bralock, Anthony Boynton (Yolanda), Gwendolyn Taylor and son-in-law Willie (JT) Taylor; Sherry Burks, Kathy Cox; Grandchildren: Stacy Miller (Robin), Kevin Boynton, Anthony Boynton II (Shawnte), Summer Burks Butts (Derek), Patterson “Brandon” Burks (Gina), Tyler Boynton (Aliyyah), Bradford Sheffield (Korea), Sterling Burks, Daniel Thomas, Terrell McClain; Great-grandchildren: Stacy Miller II, Sean Miller, Deja Stanek, NaShay Franklin, Brittany Miller, Trianna Boynton, Anthony Boynton III, Dylan Butts, Andrea Jones, Logan Butts, Patterson “Cameron” Burks, Tyler “TJ” Boynton Jr., Dio Sheffield, Neiko Burks, Zililah Thomas, Amilah Haynes, Ava Gabriel, Asaiah Haskins, Alivia Haskins, Armon Haskins; Great-great grandchild: A’Legynd Boynton; Extended family: Mary and Rick Treadwell & Family, Odell Richardson, Leonard and Sharon Ferguson, Cathy, Jermaine, and Giovanni Wilson; Trina and Rodney Ridley, Star McCain, Mrs. Ruth Davis, Mrs. Dorothy Phillips & Family, Willis Lane, The Evans Family, devoted caregiver Dianna Middleton, and a host of loving family and friends.

A visitation for Bessie will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.