Dorothy Wiletta Boyce
- Published: February 18, 2021
After 100 years of full and fruitful life as a beloved matriarch and faithful friend, Dorothy Wiletta (Perry) Boyce departed this life on Feb. 14, 2021.
Dorothy was born on Nov. 27, 1920, to Mr. and Mrs. William and Loretta Perry in Yellow Springs. She was the salutatorian of the Yellow Springs High School class of 1938. She met the love of her life, Lyonel Boyce, at Wilberforce University, and graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business.
Dorothy and Lyonel married and settled in Cleveland, where Dorothy earned a Master of Science degree in education from Case Western Reserve University. She taught kindergarten for 20 years and served as the pianist and youth choir director at St. James AME Church. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and traveled the far reaches of the world with her friend, Mildred Talbot Redon, before she retired to Beavercreek. She was an active member of Central Chapel AME Church in Yellow Springs prior to a prolonged illness with dementia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyonel Boyce; son, Wendell Boyce; and daughter-in-love, Cheryl Boyce. She is survived by her children, Russell Boyce, of Columbus, and Clarenda (Major) Jordan, of McKinney, Texas; daughter-in-love, Elaine Boyce, of Beavercreek; grandchildren, Ebony (Dedric) Carter, of St. Louis, Mo., Jason Boyce, of Beavercreek, Allison Jordan, of St. Louis, Miss., and Robert (Brittney) Jordan, of Washington D.C.; great-grandchildren, Austin Boyce, Azaria, Aniah and Akenzia Carter and Major Jordan; sister, Marlene (Roger) Bowman, of Murrieta, Calif.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
A walk-through visitation will be held at Porter-Qualls-Freeman Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 20, 10–11 a.m., followed by a graveside service at noon at Glen Forest Cemetery. Social distancing protocol will be observed, and face masks will be required. A celebration of a life well-lived will take place at a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to Central Chapel AME Church, 411 S. High St., Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. Arrangements entrusted to Porter-Qualls-Freeman Funeral Home.
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