Florence Lillian Boyce

Florence Lillian Boyce passed from this life on May 17, 2021, in Lubbock, Texas. She was born on March 10, 1923 in Nocona, Texas, and moved to Friona, Texas at the age of three. She graduated from Friona High School in 1939. Florence married Harold “Bud” Browning on June 22, 1940, in Muleshoe, TX. Together they had a daughter, Barbara Browning.

Bud was killed in the Battle of the Bulge during the Second World War. Florence married Neil Mayo Boyce on December 7, 1947. Together they had three children, Neil D. Boyce, Gail B. Randell, and Betty B. McGrath. Neil worked as a Lubbock Firefighter for 30 years, while Florence worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She began as a switchboard operator, working at the German prisoner of war camp in Marfa, Texas, during WW II. Florence became the first woman to work on the frame in Lubbock, attaching telephone lines at the mainframe for Southwestern Bell.

In 1970, Florence and Neil lost their home to a tornado which destroyed much of the city. Their home was located at 6th and Avenue Q, two blocks from the new May 11th Tornado Memorial. They reestablished their home in Lubbock and continued to host large gatherings for family and friends. Florence retired from AT&T in 1982. Following retirement, Florence and Neil enjoyed fishing at Lake Somerville and visiting their kids in different parts of the country. Neil died in August of 2003.

Florence was the 11th child in a family of 13 children. Her siblings included: George F. Baker, Elmer L. Baker, Arthur B. Baker, Alice A. Baker, Oliver W. Baker, Elva Opal Ware, C. Melvin Baker, Burl C. Baker, Raymond B. Baker, Gilbert L. Baker, Duke M. Baker, and Nila Jean Kelly. Survivors include her sister, Nila Jean Kelly of Richardson TX, daughter, Barbara A. Medlin of Greensboro NC, son Neil D. Boyce, daughter, Gail B. Randell, and daughter, Betty B. McGrath all of Lubbock TX; grandchildren include: Terri Wiggins, Alexandria, LA; Shelli Huffman, Monroe, LA; Mark Medlin, Raleigh, NC; Rusty Randell, Brooklyn, NY; Robin Klitzke, Chico, CA; Peggy Klein, Lubbock, TX; Carly McGrath, Lubbock, TX; and Jo McGrath, Texas; 14 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren, two sons-in-law, William G. Medlin and Daniel A. McGrath, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday May 24, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life will be held be heldat 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel. Livestream will be available on Resthaven's Facebook.

Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made either to Meals on Wheels or your local food bank. Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online condolences.