Rubert Italia Ann-Boyd, 110, wife of Bishop G. L. Anthony Boyd, of Opelousas, Louisiana passed away on December 1, 2024, surrounded by family & friends at her residence. Services are entrusted to the Roswell Management.

A step into her HEELS

Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”.

THE BIRTHING

Rubert Ann Boyd, respectfully known as “Motha,” was the third-born of Bishop John Titus Ann & Nellie Ann on July 17, 1914, in Okmuglee, Oklahoma. Rubert was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bishop G.L. Anthony Boyd; both her parents, Bishop John and Nellie Louise Ann-Hollis; her eldest brother, Robert Jackson, and sister, Rita Ann-Ferris, as well as her sons, Craig Giovanni and Elijah Harold Lamont Boyd, and daughter-in-love, Karla Fionna Ellis-Boyd.

Rubert began her education at Dunbar Elementary School and Okmulgee High School in Okmulgee, OK. After her and her family's relocation to Opelousas, LA, she furthered her education at Ace High School. Rubert excelled academically during her high school years, earning induction into the National Honor Society. She was often recognized by her peers as the best, most well-mannered, and most intelligent. Rubert was a distinguished leader at the school she attended.

In 1932, Rubert graduated in the top 7% of her class, earning full-ride scholarships for academics and first-generation students to Louisiana State University.

• Furthered Education
Rubert often recounted the first day she arrived on campus. While taking a train to Baton Rouge, LA, she expressed to her mother that she felt a little uneasy about leaving her husband, their church, and adapting to a new environment. Her mother, a retired nurse, reassured her and said, “God will never leave you,” and that she would finish strong.

  During her time at LSU, she remained steadfast in her faith, starting an evangelism movement, "Women Who Rise." She also established the "Pentecostal Heritage Connection," teaching people about her COGIC background and her faith. Rubert excelled far beyond her uneasiness and achieved great success. .She was crowned as one of the Black African American queens, inducted into the Honor Society. Ruberts education endeavors culminated in 1936 when she graduated with a bachelor's degree in History. 


THEIR STORY

While attending Ace High School in her sophomore year, Rubert met her knight in shining armor, Gerald Lamont Anthony Boyd. At first glance, she was swept off of her feet and fell in complete love. After being in a relationship with Gerald for about 3-5 months, with the permission of both parents, Gerald proposed, and they married on April 20th, 1930. Gerald was called to ministry during his youth and was ordained a minister at the humble age of 11. While in high school, with the guidance of God, both their parents and Bishop C.H. Mason, Gerald and Rubert began the Boyd Temple COGIC. They started humbly outside in a wheat field; they then moved into an abandoned candy store. After worshipping there for months, they made it their church's official home. Renaming it, Tabernacle COGIC. Bishop Boyd and Lady Boyd's union birthed Elijah Harold Lamont, Craig Giovanni, and Shenell Joyce Boyd. The Louisiana 1st Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Boyd Temple, was renamed Tabernacle COGIC. And various other ministries, groups, and spiritual children.

THE CALLING
After Graduation College, Rubert took a brief rest and returned back home to Opelousas, LA. And continued her First Lady duties at, Tabernacle COGIC. That year she started the Voices of Tabernacle Choir, and the TAB Youth Ministry. Lady Boyd faithfully poured into the women of Tabernacle COGIC, encouraging them to serve at all compacities in the church, and never to feel limited to the pews. Lady Boyd Soon established the Ladies of TAB Women's Ministry! A few years later, Lady Boyd hopped right back into her education and relocated to Lorman, Mississippi with her daughter Shenelle "Nellie" and followed in her mother's footsteps of becoming a nurse. She enrolled in Alcorn State and joined their School of Nursing, soon becoming an APRN. Just like when Rubert attended LSU, she made weekly trips to Opelousas, LA to Attend service and see her family.

OH TO BE KEPT..
On December 1st, 2024, God allowed it to be so for her to live a life pleasing to him until the age of 110. She would frequently remark "Oh To Be Kept," and her life is a testimony of what it meant. She is leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Shenell Joyce Boyd; her grandson Fonzo Carlisle; her niece Leatha Boyd; her TAB Family and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.

HEAVEN
“Heaven is a place where no one sighs or dies. There is a place where your hearts will leap, where your joy will be complete, and where you will behold the lamb of God. That's not today. So till you get here, Thy kingdom come.Thy will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven. See you in the morning.” ~Rubert Ann Boyd.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, December 13, at 8:15 at the Pilgrim Rest Cathedral Church. The interment will be private. A Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, from 8:30 to 10:00 at Tabernacle Church of God In Christ. A musical celebration will take place at Agape Family Worship Center on Thursday, December 12. Wright, Sanders, & Wynn Undertakers will be directing all celebrations.