Willie Jane Boyd

1942  –  2024

Willie Jane Boyd was born on March 7th, 1942, in Corinth, Mississippi to the late Willie Huston Boyd and late Annie Modenia Hampton (Boyd). She graduated from ESOM High School in Corinth Mississippi. She was the third eldest of nine children. Willie Jane arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1961. She worked for AT &T on Milwaukee’s east side until she retired. She became one of the first black homeowners on the northside of Milwaukee, with the help of her best friend Carrie Parker. We lived down the street from Hank Aaron. Willie Jane became a member of Gospel Lutheran Church in 1967 and confirmed on the 2nd of July in 1972.

She became known as Momma Jane. Jane was an uplifting person in the community. Whether giving advice on how to manage life, or just listening to you speak. She always kept an eye out on everyone. Jane helped at the church anytime they needed her, especially during Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas. She would deliver food baskets within the community and visit Ms. Diedre our church secretary, often when she went for walks.

Momma was fascinated with Billy Dee Williams. You know the actor who starred in Lady Sings the Blues with Diana Ross. One night long ago when a show called The Jeffersons came on, Billy Dee was one of the guest stars. When Billy Dee kissed Florence, she screamed at the top of her lungs, I thought she had hurt herself. She called all her friends that night. That was Momma!

She loved Motown music. Whenever we went for a ride, we would play her golden oldies and she would reminisce how they would dance back in the day. Her favorite Gospel song was Precious Lord, and she would sing it proudly. Jane absolutely enjoyed traveling. She went to Hawaii, Las Vegas, The Virgin Islands, Washinton D.C., and Minesota. Her favorite activity was gardening. If you let her, she would plant your flowers. Jane loved to cook and bake, while keeping the recipes a secret, especially her Red Velvet Cake. Jane greatest joy in life were her son, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Her favorite book was the bible. She always sat by the window to read her bible as the sun was shinning through.

Willie Jane Boyd departed this life on Sunday, April14th, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother O’Neal Boyd {Chicago, Ill}, Freddie Roy Boyd Sr. {Milwaukee, WI}, Russell T. Cambell [ Corinth, MS}, one sister Dorthy Emma Boyd {Corinth, MS}

She leaves to mourn her son Demetrius Boyd (Lylian) of Milwaukee, WI four grandchildren Emily Valdez (Armando), Jose DeJesus (Stephanie), Mariah Boyd, and Celeste Boyd. Six great-grandchildren Azariah Valdez, Azaleah Valdez, Ariah Valdez, Dylynda Boyd, Adiana DeJesus, Ezio Dejesus. Daughter Rossalyn Smith (Alan) of McLean, VA, Willison Edward Boyd (Mary) of Jackson MS, Larry Boyd of Booneville, MS. Two sisters Shirley Ann Stricklen (Andrew) of Milwaukee, WI. Ms. Laura Copeland of Corinth, MS. She is survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her deeply. Willie Jane Loved her family and continues to watch over!