Elizabeth Betty Gale Boyer

Elizabeth Gale “Betty” Boyer joined her Lord and Savior in heaven on July 12, 2011. Born in Oakland, California on December 19, 1925, she met and married Tyrie Alvis Boyer when he was stationed there during World War II. After the war, the Boyers left California for Jacksonville where, except for a short interlude in Williston, Florida, they have lived since 1945. Betty Boyer is survived by: Tyrie Alvis, her husband of sixty-six years; their daughter, Carol Knight (Ted) of Williston; sons Tyrie William (Lori) of Jacksonville, Kennedy Gale (Mary Lee) of Williston, Lee Carlton (Barbara Michelle) of Williston; and a niece, Colleen Stevens (James) of Jacksonville. Eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren will miss her greatly. While Betty proudly proclaimed her family as her most significant accomplishment, she is recognized throughout the city of Jacksonville for her leadership of numerous civic and charitable organizations. She was a devout Christian, inspired by the Bible (James 2:17), who lived her faith through service to causes that have improved the health and well-being of thousands. Betty’s 50-plus years of volunteerism began with the Girl Scouts of America where she started as a troop leader. In recognition of her early success within GSA, she was named a Girl Scout Woman of Distinction many years later. Mrs. Boyer has been recognized for twenty-five years of continuous volunteer service to the American Cancer Society for which she once served as Chairman of Rehabilitation and Services. In 1990, she was elected President of the Heart Guild; in 1991, President of the Jacksonville Symphony Guild. An avid supporter of the arts, Mrs. Boyer felt that her most significant contribution to the Symphony was her creation of the Instrument Zoo – an accomplishment for which she was named a finalist for the EVE award. Today, twenty years later, the Instrument Zoo remains a vibrant tribute to Mrs. Boyer’s dedication to enriching the lives of children through music. For “the pure joy of it”, she took the part of Mother Ginger in the Nutcracker Suite and stole the show. Betty was invited to the Symphony Board of Directors in 1998. Elizabeth Boyer was a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. She loved the Army and actively raised funds for its benefit when she chaired two Celebrity Chefs events. Until she became ill, Betty rang a bell next to a donation kettle every Christmas. A type-2 diabetic herself, Mrs. Boyer was passionate about teaching and sharing information with other diabetics. In 2010, the American Diabetes Association honored her efforts with its Lifetime Achievement Award. The River Garden/Wolfson Health and Aging Center was a favorite object of Mrs. Boyer’s organization and fundraising talents. She was a member of the River Garden Foundation Board of Trustees and was the honoree of its 1997 benefit gala. Betty enjoyed membership in Southern Women of the Confederacy for which she chaired two balls and taught court etiquette to the belles. She belonged to Daughters of the American Revolution and to Eastern Star. Since 1995, she has been the Chaplain of the Jacksonville University Friends of the Library. She also chaired functions for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Family Counseling Services. Mrs. Boyer’s example created a legacy of love that echoes that of her heroine, Mother Theresa, who said, “Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.” Betty’s embrace was inclusive of many faiths, all races and diverse walks of life. No one could duplicate her record; yet knowing that many would attempt to imitate her standard so as to improve the world, is all that she would have hoped for. On Wednesday, July 13th, visitation with the family will be at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. The Reverend David Moenning, Mrs. Boyer’s pastor, will lead a Celebration of Life service at First United Methodist Church (225 East Duval St.) on Thursday, July 14th at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be at 6:00 P.M. on July 14th at Wacahoota United Methodist Church, SR 121, in Williston. In lieu of flowers, the Boyer family hopes you will honor Betty’s memory with a charitable gift to either River Garden Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.

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