Elizabeth J. Boyd
1917-2012

Dr. Elizabeth (Betty) J. Boyd-Beu, 95, of Southport, FL passed from this life on Thursday November 15, 2012. Betty was born on May 4, 1917 in Fresno, California to Isaac and Sarah Glenn. She was the first of seven children. When she began her career in Civil Service, her adventurous nature prompted her to accept a job offer in Washington D.C. which led to assignments in Bermuda and then Honolulu. In 1945 she met and married Keith F. Boyd. They endured the treacherous Alcan Highway to reach Alaska where they homesteaded 40 acres in Wasilla, AK. She became the Education Officer at Elmendorf AFB. She was both a lifetime educator and student, receiving her Bachelors, Masters, EdD, and at the age of 75, her Doctorate in Education. She retired from Tyndall AFB after more than 32 years of service. She continued to explore other occupations working in real estate, Newcomer Services, teaching at local schools and colleges, and was a member of several organizations. She traveled extensively and eventually moved back to Alaska to live near her family. There she worked with the Adult Education program and was an adjunct professor at the colleges. In 1995, she married Edwin G. Beu, Jr. They enjoyed traveling with each other for 17 years. After losing Ed in April 2012, she moved back to Florida to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

Betty enjoyed bowling, gardening, traveling, dancing, all kinds of music, the fine arts, tree farming and spending time with family and friends. She blazed the trail for women, competing for job placements traditionally held by men. She loved life and was always eager for new adventures. She was an avid supporter of the Performing Arts Center and Valley Performing Arts in Alaska and enjoyed being an Election Official in Wasilla. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Anchorage for many years and recently became a member of Holy Nativity Episcopal Church.

Betty is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Gene Wicker of Southport, FL and Ed's sons, Gary Beu (Carla) of Kentucky and Eddie Beu (Lisa) of Anchorage; grandsons James Wicker (Brooke) of Crestview, FL and John Wicker of Panama City, FL; granddaughters Melissa Beu Brewer (Jay) of Utah, Holly Beu of Anchorage, and Farelyn Fredianelli (Marc) of California; nine great grandchildren; Betty's sisters Christina Berry, Pearl Patrick, Blossom Malkasian (Pete) and Donna Jean Ross (Dean); and her dear friends Mark and Bess Rahe and Bob and Mary Bridges.

Betty's family would like to thank Home Instead, Emerald Coast Hospice, and all of the staff at Emerald Shores Rehabilitation Center for their loving care and kindness.

A memorial service will begin at 2:00 PM on November 20, 2012 at the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church with Father Steve Bates officiating.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in her name to Emerald Coast Hospice or Holy Nativity Episcopal Church.

Wilson Funeral Home