Obituary of Bessie Boyer

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course; I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteousness judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only; but unto all them that Love His appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 Bessie M. Boyer, beloved daughter of the late Willis and Bessie Felix McDonald, was born April 5, 1930 in Elliot, South Carolina. She was the sixth of eight children and was named after her mother. Bessie confessed to Christ at an early age and attended the St. Paul A.M.E. Church until the family moved to Baltimore, MD. Bessie then attended Bethel A.M.E. Church where her uncle Reverend A.J. Felix ministered. Later, she moved to New York to care for and assist a loved one for a few years. Bessie then moved to New Jersey and attended the Isreal Memorial A.M.E. Church. She avidly spent most of her time helping and caring for her sister's children, while working and volunteering throughout the community. While in New Jersey, Bessie met and married Berker C. Boyer in 1954, who proceeded her in death in 2011. They spent fifty seven harmonious years together loving, caring for, nurturing, and mentoring many nieces, nephews, and children from close family, friends, and neighbors. Bessie recognized her God given talent of helping people and began a career in the medical profession. She studied nursing and attended many schools to become a licensed Registered Nurse. Bessie worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for a few years, and then practiced in many hospitals and mental institutions. She worked in the field of "private" nursing from which she retired after many years in the profession. After retirement, Bessie lovingly dedicated her time to her family and friends She was an outstanding and dedicated caregiver to two of her sisters for many years. Bessie had a profound love of nature, art, poetry, and music. She engaged in such hobbies as gardening, yard work, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Bessie loved the outdoors which was one of her greatest passions. She also appeared to have received the utmost fulfillment out of life caring for the elderly, children, and animals. Bessie's favorite words of wisdom:"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." Bessie M. Boyer departed this life peacefully in her sleep on February 20, 2015 at her home in Port Murray, NJ. Four sisters and one brother preceeded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory; a daughter Francheon Royal Boyer of Easton, PA; a son Brinkley Archie of Port Murray, NJ; two brothers, Willis H. McDonald of Randallstown, MD; Kells McDonald of Glen Burnie, MD; one sister-in-law; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.