Mrs. Delores Louise Boyd Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

The first words that came to mind when you saw her were beauty, charm, and grace. She was a caring, compassionate, charismatic, selfless, giving person. She embodied all that a lady should be in poise and in presence. Delores Louise Hyden Boyd was born April 4, 1932, to Iola Virginia Pinkard and Raymond Banks, Sr. She first attended Third Baptist Church as a babe in her mother’s arms. Dee as she was lovingly called grew up in Old Town Alexandria, VA. She was raised in the family home with her mother, grandparents, and aunts. She consistently spoke of her grandfather Burrell Pinkard, whom she dearly loved and referred to as Daddy Burrell. He was an entrepreneur who owned a horse and wagon that was called the Pinkard Express. She attended Charles Houston Elementary School and graduated in 1949 from Parker Gray High School where she was a cheerleader. She worked for many years in Alexandria Hospital Central Supply and the Operating Room. Then she went on to be a nurse for Dr. Carey Freeman before moving on to Washington Hospital Center Central Service where she was selected to attend Purdue University. She became certified as a Sterilization Processing and Decontamination Specialist and was given the responsibility of training all other central service employees on how to properly sterilize instruments to be used in the operating room. She was a valued employee at Washington Hospital Center for well over 30 years before retiring. She was baptized at Third Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Rev. Samuel B. Ross. She acknowledged her faith in Jesus Christ and accepted the gift of salvation. She was a member of the Baptist Women’s Convention of Northern Virginia, Inc. and participated in the annual scholarship banquet. She joined the Missionary Ministry because she knew that lack of basic material needs could negatively impact the mental health of an individual. She and her daughter Lenne’ founded the Health & Wellness Ministry at Third Baptist to teach members how to live healthier lives. She felt that being part of these two ministries put her in a position to combine resources to provide balance and stability to individuals. She participated in the drive for school supplies, feeding the homeless/hungry, not only by donating but also by encouraging others to contribute. She had a knack for persuading others to give. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…” Dee was generous to a fault but not just at church. She made an effort to supply anything anyone needed. The door to her home was always open to those seeking solace. Anytime it was brought to her attention that families in the community needed food, clothing, or shelter, she identified resources to help them. In a number of instances, she has been known to meet their needs at her own personal expense. She was an outstanding cook, and her specialties were fried chicken, potato salad and collard greens. The seniors at the Ladrey Senior Citizens building looked forward to her delicious cabbage on the first Sunday of each month. She made chicken noodle soup for the homeless and the sick and everyone loved it. Delores’ entire world changed the day she met the love of her life Leonard A. Boyd, her knight in shining armor. They were married on May 3,1966 and were soulmates and best friends. Added to this union were, Melanie, Pamela, Tyrone and Lenne’. There was lots of love, laughter, family time and cookouts. Dee loved sewing and would surprise her children by waking them in the morning with new clothes she made for them over night. She enjoyed traveling by car and taking them on trips to the beach, to family reunions and on bus trips. Family was everything to Dee and her children were her pride and joy. Dee was a licensed cosmetologist, a self-taught seamstress, and an elegant dresser. She was known for wearing the most gorgeous outfits with matching hats and accessories. In her senior years because of her (appearance), she was asked to be a model for Chico’s Fashions in Olde Towne Alexandria. She was a skilled mathematician and was treasurer of our family reunion planning committee for approximately 10 years. As the matriarch of our family, she continued to foster the family values taught by her parents. They stressed the importance of having integrity and putting our trust in the Lord. She is preceded in death by her parents Iola Golden and Raymond Banks, Sr., her beloved stepfather John Golden, her brother Burrell Pinkard, her daughter Pamela Bryant and the love of her life, her husband Leonard A. Boyd. She leaves to cherish her memory, 3 devoted children Melanie Bryant, Tyrone Bryant (Janyce) and Lenne Boyd White, grandchildren Niya Moton (Eddie), Tyrone Bryant, Jr., Tyrell Bryant, Robert Leo Worth III, Shannon LeGrant (John), 5 great grandchildren, Siblings: Jacqueline Golden and Patricia Roy, Raymond Golden (Anita) and Raymond Banks, Jr., Addie Pinkard, Dr. Gerald Boyd Sr., (Peggy) Dr. Debra Boyd, Marcia Witten, Marshall Boyd (Leorlin), 8 nieces and 12 nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. When Delores’ health declined, Juanita Baker, a devoted family friend became her caregiver. Juanita was exceptional in caring for Mom. She prepared meals, took her to the doctor, on rides to the park, revisiting Olde Town and shopping. They spent many hours laughing and watching movies. Juanita showered her with love. To Lois and Wanda Swearingin, Jean Rose, Gale McClain, Denise Somerville, Minister Cheryl Perry, Deacons Irvin Dixon, and Willie Caldwell, thank you for your undying commitment and availability. Heartfelt thanks to Hospice of the Chesapeake for caring for mom during her illness.

Mrs. Delores Louise Boyd

April 4, 1932 - May 1, 2022

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