Ella Mae Boyd

Ella Mae King was born November 4, 1943 on The Ridge in Leon County, Texas. She was the youngest daughter of Mary Katherine (Wilkins) & John Walter King. After Ella graduated from Centerville High School, she married Roy Bell. She and Roy had two daughters, Trenda Kay and Glenda Carol before they separated. In the years to follow, Ella pulled her shoulders back, lifted her chin up and carried on as a single parent to her two young girls. She was not a complainer and worked as a waitress at Madisonville Hospital and at the Halfway House in Centerville. This is where she met the love of her life, J.M. Boyd. They married and operated Boyd’s Texaco until his retirement.

“Ellie,” as J.M. called her, did all of the payroll and bookwork for the station. She affectionately earned the nickname “Boss Lady,” from employees and frequenters of the station.

Ella wore many hats and was an amazing housekeeper and cook. Boy, could she cook! She also handled all the landscaping until J.M.'s retirement. Ella's favorite hat to wear was Nana! Once grandchildren arrived, Ella could be found playing chauffeur, making sure they had snacks and coke money; also screaming at the referees from the stands at sporting events. She always had her grandchildren’s back and gave her love to them unconditionally. She was also the best secret keeper in Leon County.

Ella passed away September 17, 2021 in Bryan, Texas. She leaves behind a legacy of love and a lot of broken hearts, but her family takes comfort knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband and mother and rocking her sweet Rosie.

Ella was preceded in death by both of her parents; husband, J.M. Boyd; brothers, George & Norman King; sisters, Dorothy (King) Lane & Vera “Tincy” Louis and great-granddaughter, Rose Mary Soto. Those left to remember Ella include daughters, Trenda Pate & husband, Morgan of Centerville and Glenda Peacock & husband, Phil of Centerville; step-son, Tim Boyd & wife, Regina of Crockett; step-daughters, Threasa Simpson & husband, John of Viola, LA and Becky Henry & husband, Shaun of Orange; sisters, Rose Lee Pate & Peggy Bain, both of Centerville; brothers, Freddy King of Centerville and Fritz King & wife, Carol of New Caney; special nephew, Mark Boyd; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

A celebration of Ella’s life will be held 11 A.M., Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Pastor of the Cowboy Church of Leon County, Tuffy Loftin, will officiate the service. Ella will be laid to rest next to her beloved, J.M. in Centerville Cemetery following the service. A brief visitation will take place from 10 A.M. to service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Kevin Shuck, Ethan Pate, Kyler Soto, Rowdy Dotson, Cort Boyd, Chantry Simpson, Christopher Hartnett, Houston Woods

Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas is in charge of arrangements.