Ella J Boyd

Ella Jo Matthews Boyd, a good and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and devoted mother and grandmother, died January 28, 2016, after suffering from a long illness. Ella Jo, also affectionately known as "Jo", was born on August 29, 1920, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Lillian Harris Matthews and Pervy W. Matthews, and her husband, David Avery Boyd. She is survived by her son, David R. Boyd (Susan) and her daughter, Joanne E. Boyd, her grandchildren, Hannah B. Tennimon (Brandon), Amanda E. Boyd and Sarah E. Boyd, and two great grandchildren, Wyatt Avery Tennimon and Elias Pike Tennimon. Jo graduated from Ensley High School in 1938 and attended Massey Business College. She worked as a bookkeeper for National Garage, and she loved music and horses. In 1946, Jo married D. Avery Boyd, founder of Vulcan Painters, Inc. With her husband, Jo was active in the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, especially during her husband's presidency in 1968. Jo and Avery Boyd were among five couples that founded Vestavia Church of Christ, and this church was an important part of her life. Jo Boyd was a member of the Birmingham Music Club, and she spent many afternoons and Saturdays supporting her children's equestrian activities showing American Saddlebred horses throughout the country. Jo Boyd always told her children and grandchildren that she loved them and was proud of them and planned wonderful birthday parties for all members of the family. Ella Jo sacrificed her own interests to help her children and grandchildren attend the best schools available to them. Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p. m. at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home with a graveside service following at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made the Vestavia Church of Christ, 2325 Old Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216 or to Alzheimer's of Central Alabama at alzca.org.