Anita Wilson Boyd was peacefully called to her heavenly home on June 30, 2023, at the age of 88 in Crystal Beach, Texas. Anita was born on May 18, 1935, in Wills Point to William and Carlie Tarver. Her life was a testament to humility, gratitude, love, and respect.

Throughout her journey, Anita exemplified the virtues of a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. Her warm and compassionate spirit touched the lives of those around her, extending love not only to fellow human beings but also to animals that graced her path.

Left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter- in-law, Rusty and Michelle Wilson of Crystal Beach; her bonus daughter, Katherine Boyd Jones of San Antonio; her bonus daughter-in-law, Pat Widmaier of Racine, Wisconsin; her beloved grandchildren: Cari Williams of Canton; Elisa and Michael Joseph of Humble; Andrew Wilson of New York, New York; Brian and Cynthia Jones of San Antonio; Ben and Heather Salvo Boyd of Kent, Ohio; and Joe and Shannon Boyd of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her great-grandchildren, Samuel, Jaxon, and Anabelle Williams of Canton; Katie and Philip Howell of Lindale; Berkley and Camden Joseph of Humble, and Bryleanna Jones of San Antonio.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” and Carlie Teel Tarver, her beloved spouse William E. “Bill” Boyd, Sr., her sister and brother-in-law, Wilma and Horace Riley, her brother and sister-in-law, OJ and Terrie Tarver, her brother and sister-in-law, Billy Ray and Reekee Tarver, and her bonus son, William E. “Billy” Boyd, Jr.

Anitas’s life was not only marked by her devotion to God and family but also by her remarkable career. For almost four decades, she was a dedicated team member of the Campbell-McNeill Publishing Company, where she served as the Managing Editor of the Canton Herald. She served as an officer of the Canton Chamber of Commerce in the early 1970’s and later blazed a trail as the first woman to serve on the Canton City Council, inspiring others with her courage and determination. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts left a mark on the community, and she was named ‘Woman of the Year’ by the Canton Chamber of Commerce in 1989.

Anita found solace and strength as a devout member of the First Baptist Church in Canton for numerous years. Later, she joined the Baptist Church in Lorena embracing the teachings of humility, gratitude, and reverence for all of God’s creation.

A memorial service, honoring Anita’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Mullin-Fuller Funeral Home located in Wills Point.