Obituary for Emma Marie Boynton
Emma Louise Boynton
Arrived on Earth: December 19, 1930 Returned to Heaven: October 14, 2020
Emma was our family treasure, now gone on to be with the Lord forever. Born to John and Julia Boynton in Charleston South Carolina, Aunt Babylou as she was affectionately called, grew up and was educated in New York City. In her young adult years, she served as Church choir director, learning music and piano with little training. She continued to read her Bible and trust in the Lord throughout her life. Emma moved to Los Angeles CA a young lady in her 20’s, worked exceptionally hard to educate herself to obtain a bachelors and master’s degree in education, and pursued a challenging 35 years’ career as an outstanding educator of young children ages 6 through 12 in the Los Angeles elementary school system, contributing her special brand of high quality education into the lives of many thousands of young students.
After retiring in 1995, Emma moved back to NY to be with her sister Alma Marie Meriweather whom she took care of when she was ill. Emma loved her family, and through the years helped them with various financial needs, and was always there for so many other extended family members. She always had a generous and giving spirit.
Emma had an enormously attractive personality filled with charisma and “presence”, which worked well in her career and with everyone she met. When she told a joke, everyone laughed, but when she was upset, everyone was affected. She had a way of making friends with everyone, and everyone quickly grew attached to her. She especially enjoyed a large number of very nice friends and colleagues in Los Angeles who remained close to her throughout all these years.
“Wash your hands! Did you wash your hands? I always wash my food with soap and bleach!” These are some of the directives we heard from Emma quite frequently. Because of this great woman, we all learned to be serious about cleanliness, education, manners, good English diction, and to have respect for our family and elders.
Emma was a world traveler, having traveled internationally in her younger years to several European and other countries. She was a woman who could achieve anything she wished to achieve Anyone who knew her would say that she accomplished all she wanted to do in life. There was nothing she wanted to do in life that she did not accomplish!
After losing her sister Alma, Emma continued to live in the home of her parents until her final days. Emma was always independent, unmarried and had no children, and yet so many family members felt she was their beloved Aunt, close relative, or friend. She was like a Mother to Joiava and Joey who cared deeply for her and Alma.
Emma leaves behind many cousins who held her most dear to their hearts and especially her namesake EmmaMarie and a long list of wonderful close friends, Sarah, Pat Dorothy and admirers. We will all miss her dearly.
Arrived on Earth: December 19, 1930 Returned to Heaven: October 14, 2020
Emma was our family treasure, now gone on to be with the Lord forever. Born to John and Julia Boynton in Charleston South Carolina, Aunt Babylou as she was affectionately called, grew up and was educated in New York City. In her young adult years, she served as Church choir director, learning music and piano with little training. She continued to read her Bible and trust in the Lord throughout her life. Emma moved to Los Angeles CA a young lady in her 20’s, worked exceptionally hard to educate herself to obtain a bachelors and master’s degree in education, and pursued a challenging 35 years’ career as an outstanding educator of young children ages 6 through 12 in the Los Angeles elementary school system, contributing her special brand of high quality education into the lives of many thousands of young students.
After retiring in 1995, Emma moved back to NY to be with her sister Alma Marie Meriweather whom she took care of when she was ill. Emma loved her family, and through the years helped them with various financial needs, and was always there for so many other extended family members. She always had a generous and giving spirit.
Emma had an enormously attractive personality filled with charisma and “presence”, which worked well in her career and with everyone she met. When she told a joke, everyone laughed, but when she was upset, everyone was affected. She had a way of making friends with everyone, and everyone quickly grew attached to her. She especially enjoyed a large number of very nice friends and colleagues in Los Angeles who remained close to her throughout all these years.
“Wash your hands! Did you wash your hands? I always wash my food with soap and bleach!” These are some of the directives we heard from Emma quite frequently. Because of this great woman, we all learned to be serious about cleanliness, education, manners, good English diction, and to have respect for our family and elders.
Emma was a world traveler, having traveled internationally in her younger years to several European and other countries. She was a woman who could achieve anything she wished to achieve Anyone who knew her would say that she accomplished all she wanted to do in life. There was nothing she wanted to do in life that she did not accomplish!
After losing her sister Alma, Emma continued to live in the home of her parents until her final days. Emma was always independent, unmarried and had no children, and yet so many family members felt she was their beloved Aunt, close relative, or friend. She was like a Mother to Joiava and Joey who cared deeply for her and Alma.
Emma leaves behind many cousins who held her most dear to their hearts and especially her namesake EmmaMarie and a long list of wonderful close friends, Sarah, Pat Dorothy and admirers. We will all miss her dearly.