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Rhonda Nadine Boyd


Sunrise: December 30, 1955

Sunset: September 7, 2020

Rhonda Nadine Boyd

Mother – Teacher – Friend – Poet – Avid Reader – Conversationalist -Selfless

December 30, 1955 – September 7, 2020

Rhonda Nadine Boyd, 64, of Norfolk, Virginia, left her earthly family to share her talents and voice with the angels on September 7, 2020, after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was diagnosed in 2016 with breast cancer and fought a good fight. Rhonda was born December 30, 1955 to U.S. Retired Navy MCPO Richard J. Boyd and Mary Alice Boyd at the Naval Medical Center (formerly Norfolk Naval Hospital) in Portsmouth, VA.

Rhonda graduated from Norview High School in 1973 after transferring from Crawford High School in San Diego where she had attended middle and her initial high school years. She received her undergraduate (graduating Summa Cum Laude) and master’s degrees from Norfolk State University in special education/psychology by the age of 23.

As a young girl, Rhonda, wowed people with her charm and beauty as she was in many pageants. The family lived in San Diego for more than five years before coming back to Virginia. She learned early on that beauty comes from within. So, while many complimented her for her poise, she focused on education and academia.

She will be remembered for her love of words. She loved words and pinning them to paper was her hobby. She may have written more than a thousand poems, for writing poetry was a way to express her true self. This love started when she was a child. If you saw Nadine, as she was affectionately called by her middle name often by family, then you saw books and piles of them with her. In fact, if she went to the beach or out with friends, then she had her books. It wasn’t just words in a book, but she simply loved the English language. Whether it was the movies or theatre or concerts, she, was front row.

It’s no wonder all of her friends say she was the consummate conversationalist. She loved to talk and share stories with you. It’s probably why her students loved her. Rhonda always believed education was the key to success, and she hungered to always be a student of learning new things. Early on she had a sense of wonder, a sense of pushing boundaries, a sense of simply learning, teaching, and sharing. It was not a surprise when she decided to become a teacher. Her Dad recalls coming into her room one evening as a child to ask her why she was watching TV and listening to music and wasn’t studying for a test. She simply replied, she could do all three and she knew she would receive an A on the test. Her Dad said: if she didn’t make an A, she would be sorry. She got an A. It was that drive and devotion to academia that pushed her. Striving for excellence was always a top priority.

It wasn’t her numerous professional awards and accolades that was her proudest accomplishment. For this scholar, when she embarked on motherhood, that became her proudest moment —  giving birth to her only child, Joel. Everything else was predictable. Well, children are never predictable – however, her deep love and devotion for Joel was!

Joel and his mother shared many adventures together, from enjoying great music and fine cuisine to poetry. Throughout Rhonda’s life’s journey one thing remained constant – her love of words. As a poet, she expressed her feelings daily and she was glad she could share her love of poetry with her only son.

Early on she taught special needs youth and found comfort and sheer satisfaction in helping them overcome obstacles. Rhonda was a teacher for the Virginia Public School System for more than 17 years. It wasn’t just the younger kids she would spend  hours and hours helping. In 2009, she started working as an adjunct instructor at Tidewater Community College where she taught psychology. It was always about giving back.

Her friends all share one thought – everyone says her generosity of her time was unmatched. “It wasn’t about money for Rhonda, but about the people. That was her service – helping people.” And, if you knew Rhonda, you would say she walked to her own beat. She was unique in that way from her dress, to jewelry to her nails to her hair – she was one-of-a-kind. And, it was that kind of person,  you wish you knew and was on your side. As one close friend of 40 years describe her sweet nature, and giving nature made it easy to  be her friend. She was ready to go with you and never-ever turned you down.

While she loved fun and having an exciting time, friends shared she also would push you out of your comfort zone to explore. For learning didn’t stop with her formal education, it continue decade after decade and even while she was pushing through the pain of her illness. She was embarking on a new adventure and new company and needed more training. And she simply rolled up her sleeves to gain the additional training needed. As she said, there’s always room to stretch you mind.

She created and founded a home-based business, Nia Enterprises, providing a diverse array of consulting services such as grant writing, marketing, technical writing, creative writing, motivational speaking. It was the grant writing that changed the lives of so many.

Rhonda is survived by her beloved son, Joel; daughter-in-law, Destany Howard-Boyd; grandson Kahsey, parents Richard and Mary Alice Boyd, stepmother Florence Boyd, step-sisters Sharon Simpson and Tamara L. Boyd, step-brothers Gaylon and Gregory Brown, brother-in-law Eddie Simpson, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rhonda Nadine Boyd was her mother’s joy and heart!

Anyone who knew Rhonda, would share with you that she was very spiritual and her connection to her church, past ancestors and GOD was strong. So, while we cannot see her physically today, we will hear her voice again as she recites poetry for the angles.

Rest in peace dear Rhonda. Rest!

Viewing Tuesday, September 22, 2020 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Wednesday, September 23, 2020 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Woodlawn Memorial Gardens 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(8)

  1. reply
    Peggy L Williams says

    My sincere condolences to her family, she will be missed. I’ve known her and her family most of my life and have been neighbors for years. Rest peaceful

  2. reply
    Allen Butler says

    My Sincere condolences to Joel and the family. I been knowing Rhonda all my life. Even through we was cousins, she seem more like a sister. We use to talk for hours about everything. I will miss her.
    REST PEACEFULLY WITH THE LORD.
    Love, Cousin Allen and family.

  3. reply
    Vernell M. Gray says

    To the Boyd Family
    You have my deepest sympathy. May the peace of God be with you.
    From Vernell Gray class of 73 Pilots.

  4. reply
    Saundra L Bethea-Pegues says

    My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Boyd family. Praying that God will comfort the family. Movies Pilots class of 73.

  5. reply
    Jan Wynn Daniel House says

    Christian sympathy is extended to the family of the late Rhonda Boyd. #NorviewClassof73

  6. reply
    Andre Robinson says

    My heartfelt condolences to the family and my prayer of comfort for the Boyd family.

  7. reply
    Vivian Johnson says

    “Remembering Rhonda”

    To: Joel and family, our hearts are deeply saddened by Rhonda’s passing.

    We have a special remembrance of Rhonda. She was an excellent poet whose work stood out above many others. Rhonda was friendly, enjoyed being a part of our group, and was an outspoken leader. She was a mistress of ceremonies that knew how to keep her audience excited. Rhonda especially talked about her son, Joel, and she loved him deeply. Rhonda, we thank you for your expertise, and we will always remember you.

    To Joel and the rest of your family – Always stay strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep the faith.

    God Bless: The former members of the Alive Art Writers’ Guild

  8. reply
    Anita Eure says

    To: Joel and Family,

    “Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your mother, my cousin was an amazing woman and she will be truly missed.” May the peace of God be with you at this time.

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