Helen Barnard Boyd entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 27, 2026. She was born in Washington, DC, on September 17, 1936. Just over a week before her passing, Helen was thankful to celebrate her 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Helen was a devoted wife to her late husband, Ellsworth Boyd, for more than 50 years. She lived a full and meaningful life as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was a faithful member of Rock Bridge Community Church and especially enjoyed attending Bible studies at Royal Oaks.

In her younger years, Helen loved riding and showing horses. She won the National Merit under English Tack, a reflection of her skill and love for riding. She was also an avid softball player and continued playing well into her 70s. Her love of the game and her accomplishments earned her a place in the Women’s Senior Softball Hall of Fame.

Helen had a sharp wit and was quite a practical joker. She loved catching people off guard, making them laugh, and bringing joy to those around her. Her playful spirit and desire to see people laugh made her memorable to family and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Ellsworth; her brother, John Barnard; and her sister, Francis Jones. She is survived by her sister, Marian Talley of Bedford, VA.

Helen leaves behind four children: Linda (Robert) Reed of Woodbine, MD; Phyllis (John) Ryser of Damascus, OH; Cyndee (David) Park of Dalton; and Jim (Cheri) Boyd of Dalton. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, leaving a remarkable legacy of love that will continue through generations.

Above all, Helen treasured her faith in Jesus Christ and trusted in His promise of eternal life. Her life reflected a steady love for her family, a willingness to serve others, and a deep and abiding faith in her Lord. She loved meeting the needs of others and faithfully giving of herself to those around her.

Helen's family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Rebuilding Hope, 2940 Old Grade Road, Dalton, GA 30721.

Her family grieves her absence, but they rejoice in the assurance that Helen is now in the presence of the Lord she loved and faithfully served.

Helen will be interred at the Maryland Veteran’s Cemetery in Crownsville, MD and services will be held there at a future date. There will be a visitation time at Rock Bridge Community Church, Stage 123, 123 Gordon Street in Dalton, on Friday October 2, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.