Benita Sinclair Boyd

Benita was the oldest child of James Robert Boyd Jr. and Benita Sinclair Boyd. Benita passed away on September 24, 2026 in her lovely home which she shared with her dear brother Jimmy for seventy years. Benita was predeceased by her brother Jimmy who passed away on June 12, 2026. It's no surprise that Benita has passed so soon after the passing of her beloved Jimmy. Benita and Jimmy did everything together. The two were world travelers, making trips to China, Egypt and Cuba. As they traveled the world they began collecting fine art and art objects. The two had a special affinity for the German porcelain "Meissen." Their vast collection will be on permanent display at the Mussallem Gallery. Benita was a lifelong resident of San Marco and was very proud of being a champion and philanthropist not only for San Marco but for all of Jacksonville and Florida. A fitting memorial to them both is the gift that was given by them to San Marco square of one of the bronze lions. In addition to the generous gifts of beauty to the San Marco area, Benita and Jimmy were benefactors of Cummer Art Museum, Local PBS, University of Florida and 4H.

Benita was an avid gardener. She enjoyed the friendships she made as a member of the Garden Club of Jacksonville and was an active fund raiser for the club. Benita chaired the annual Garden Club Pecan drive for a number of years.

Benita was a trailblazer for women. After graduating from Landon High School, she attended University of Kentucky and University of Florida at a time when very few women attended college. After college Benita had a successful career as a manager for the yellow pages for Bell South. Benita's "telephone girls" have gotten together for a Christmas party for over fifty years. This is a tribute to the lifelong friendships which Benita forged.

Benita's cremains will be laid to rest next to her mother Benita Sinclair and her brother James Robert Boyd III at Oaklawn Cemetery Jacksonville, Florida on November 2, 2026 at 11:00 A.M graveside. Friends are welcome to attend this celebration. Benita is survived by Cousins Daniel Boyd of Gainesville, Fl, Katherine Boyd of Jacksonville, FL, Jean Bower of St. Augustine, FL and Peggy Kirkpatrick of Gainesville, FL.

Benita was blessed with a very prosperous and healthy life. Her health only declined in the last month. A special thank you to the long time staff Tammy Hansen and Linda Edwards who made her last days peaceful and comfortable. In addition to the staff, Barbara Buck would like to thank lifelong friends Cindy Glover, and Dr. Jason Joseph who made sure Benita had the best Medical care and that her passing was tranquil.