Joan Marie Boyles' Obituary
We Love you, Mama Jo!
We take this time not to mourn but to celebrate the life of Joan Boyles, affectionately known and loved as Mama Jo. Only her physical body is gone and that is just a small part of who we all are. Though we will miss her voice and her physical presence we can take comfort in knowing that the soul and spirit of Mama Jo are very much alive. She has gone the way of the Ancestors and she will never be forgotten.
Born Joan Marie Jones, the daughter of John Jones and Wattie Gibson on July 30, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas. She had only 1 sibling, a sister, Yvonne Lenora Jones. The family migrated from Wichita, Kansas to Santa Barbara, California during the late 1940’s. This was an extremely difficult time in America for those of African descent which ultimately led to the breakup of the family.
Eventually however, Joan and Yvonne, having started their own families moved to the Bay Area. Yvonne made Oakland her permanent home while Joan settled in San Francisco.
Mama Jo had four children Cheryl & Bonnie McLaughlin, Allen Fernandez, and Mark Boyles who unfortunately transitioned in 2011. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She also has four nieces and two nephews and their children who also loved and cherished her.
Mama Jo will always be remembered for her good natured, fun loving personality. She loved cooking, and man o man, in her prime, she could throw down some good ole down home vittles that would keep you coming back for more. She couldn’t get enough of Al Green, that was her man! She was a faithful member and one of the Mothers of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland for many years. Let us remember:
Her Journey’s Just Begun
Don’t think of her as gone away Her journey’s just begun
Life holds so many facets This earth is only one
Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years
Think how she must be wishing that we could know today
How nothing but our sadness can really pass away
And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched
For nothing loved is ever lost, and Mama Jo was loved so much
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?