Mrs. Dianne Carpenter Boyd, 79, of Fayetteville was called home by the Lord, on October 19, 2021.
Dianne was born September 3, 1942, in Memphis, TN, as the only child of Mr. Bill Carpenter and Mrs. Mary Lee Summey Carpenter. She graduated from Frayser High School, Memphis in 1960.
Dianne went to Ole Miss, where she got a degree in speech therapy and found her husband Jim Boyd. After graduation they moved to Washington State in a Ford Thunder Bird with a baby boy, Jim Jr. and a redbone hound dog with 9 tiny puppies (We have all heard this story 1,000 times).
They moved to Beaver Lake, AR, in 1969 to be in the Ozark Mountains and had a wonderful daughter, LeeAnne in 1971.
Dianne got her J.D. from the U of A and became the attorney for the State of AR for Child Welfare covering nine counties. She later helped start Boyd Law Firm and then became a Municipal Judge in Johnson, AR.
Dianne loved to nurture, rehab and release many things including: 2 Foxes, 7 Raccoons, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Screech Owls, 10-15 Squirrels, and 1 fat Opossum named “Pete,” not counting dogs, cats and children. Her other passions included: growing flowers, raising Monarch butterflies, reading, and fishing. Her entire life she enjoyed adventures outdoors around Roaring River, Beaver Lake and Lee Creek.
Dianne served on many civic groups including Central United Methodist Church for 45 years, Rotary International Club of Fayetteville for 30 years and as a Board Member for the Fayetteville Public Library and the Salvation Army.
Dianne is survived by her fine family: daughter, LeeAnne Boyd Williams, son-in-law Shannon Williams, son, Jim Boyd, Jr., daughter-in-law Mary Boyd, four amazing grandchildren, Ms. Hayden Williams, Ms. Caitlyn Williams, Mr. Joe Boyd and Mr. Tristan Boyd, all of Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to one of the following:
Circle of Life Hospice, where she was a Board member for six years and a volunteer for many more. Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale AR 72762 or www.GiftsToCircle.org.
Morning Star Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 13844 N. Mount Olive Rd, Gravette, AR 72736. They release many Bald Eagles on Beaver Lake.
Beard’s Chapel will perform a cremation and Dianne’s family will have a small service at Lee Creek. Due to covid concerns, no other services will be held.
She was a complete lady!
LeaAnne, Jim
So sorry, she will be missed.
You two were my first babysitting job, hope I didn’t leave any scars.
So many years ago. I remember my first meeting with her, and all the our crazy days together.
I am so very sorry. Dianne was a special lady that I really enjoyed working with over the years. Prayers of comfort and peace for all of you during this time of grief.
My thoughts and prayers will be for the Boyd family during this time. I’m truly blessed to have known Diane and the opportunity to work with her at the Department of Human Services. She was a beautiful lady and will be greatly missed. 💐🌹🏵️
Condolences to the family of Dianne Boyd, she was a wonderful person and will be missed by her many friends and family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss .
Dianne was the epitome of a fine southern woman, beautiful and filled with charm and grace. She was a dear friend and while I will miss her , she will always have a place in my heart. Her family will be in my prayers.
Condolences to the family.
Dianne has a special place of the hearts of all the Harris family. She was such a great lady!
To Dianne’s precious family — We were so sad to hear of Dianne’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and dear friend to Gordon and me. Dianne was my first supervisor when I went to work for Social Services in 1975. She was one of Gordon’s key staff when he was Regional Administrator. She had the biggest heart. She and I took an Eagle cruise on Beaver Lake pre-covid and had wanted to take a loon cruise but never got to. You will be in our prayers. We know you will miss her so.
Jim,LeaAnne – Your Mom and Dad are two of the most respected individuals that we have ever known. We are so sad to learn of your loss. We have very found memories of your parents. They will be greatly missed.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Dianne’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and we shared interest in many community projects over the years. Dianne (and Jim) raised a wonderful family of kind and giving individuals. LeeAnne and Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was one of the best and will be missed. God bless.