1952-2025
Gwendolyn Boyd-Williams was reunited with her beloved husband, Riley Williams, and parents on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at her home in Humphrey, Arkansas. She was born on March 12, 1952, to Jerry Dean Boyd, Sr. and Ruth McDonald Boyd of Humphrey, Arkansas. Gwendolyn was graciously identified to us all as “G.B.,” “Sue,” “Blue,” and, most importantly, to her children and grandchildren, “Momma” and “Granny.”
As a child growing up in Humphrey, Gwendolyn (Gwen), as she was affectionately called by many, embraced the pride of her beloved small town, Humphrey, which branded the bond of joy, happiness, and peace among family, friends, and the community.
Gwendolyn was baptized early and confessed her hope in Christ under the leadership of the late Reverend I. J. Ross at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Humphrey. Gwendolyn remained a faithful and active member for over forty years under the leadership and stewardship of her pastor, Dr. Arthur Hughes, Jr., until her sudden transition. She was a meek servant. She served and assisted in all areas where needed. Gwendolyn was a devoted member of the First Missionary Baptist Church Beautification Committee and Culinary/Hospitality Committee. She loved and cherished her church family, especially the First Baptist Choir and her dear pastor, Dr. Arthur Hughes, Jr.
Gwendolyn attended Rosenwald School but graduated from Humphrey High School in May 1970. She was zealous with school pride! She demonstrated the Bobcat Spirit by becoming a dynamic Humphrey High cheerleader. Gwendolyn was loved by many. She cherished and often recalled fond memories of riding around Humphrey. Gwendolyn gleamed at the memories of her dear friends and loved ones, Vicki McNeil-Parks, Bessie Wilson, Annie Gant-Hatch, and Mamie Lou Wilson, rehearsing and playing the roles and dance steps of Martha and the Vandellas and, of course, the Supremes. She often recalled the days of riding in “the Old Falcon.” Gwen shared most specifically, “Girl, Annie, Larry, Vicki, Mamie Lou, and me—riding in the Falcon with Marvin Gaye blasting. The good ol’ days of Humphrey.” Most importantly, Gwendolyn was an outstanding student.
Gwendolyn retired after serving over twenty years in food service at James Matthews Elementary School. She loved to shop until she dropped and had a strong passion for cooking. She prepared her meals with love and took pride in feeding her family and friends. In her final days, she loved supporting “Neicy” at D Virtuous Divas’ Boutique.
Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Riley Williams; daughter, Cassandra Williams; son, Rodney Williams; granddaughter, Shaundraya Perry; sisters, Pamela Boyd, Jacqueline McCuller, Barbara Ruth Boyd, and Carolyn Boyd; brothers, Jerry Boyd, Harold Boyd, and David Boyd; and grandparents Garfield and Rozetta Boyd and Sam and Patsy McDonald.
Gwendolyn leaves to cherish four dear children: Joe Dean Wilson, Jr., Pine Bluff, AR, Celeste (Kacy) Wilson-Davis and Rilesha (Renwick) Porter, both of Fort Worth, TX, and Shara Williams, Pine Bluff, AR; seventeen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; four sisters: Virginia Worthy, Sherrye Thompkins, Jerrye Wyatt, and Doris Lockwood; and three brothers: Dr. James (Margaret) Boyd, Rev. Charles (Elfreda) Boyd, and Undray (Stephanie) Boyd.
Gwendolyn also leaves to cherish the Boyd’s bond of her special nieces, nephews, aunties, cousins, and a host of family and friends, including two special childhood friends of more than fifty years, Vicki Parks and Annie Hatch.
