On Monday, October 7, 2024, Carolyn Hays Boyett passed peacefully from this temporal world into the arms of Jesus while surrounded by her loving family.
Carolyn was born on May 16, 1934, to Laroy S. Hays, Sr. and Kathleen Trammell Hays, in Sarepta, Louisiana. She graduated Sarepta High School in 1952 and then entered Louisiana Tech University, where she graduated in 1956 with a BS degree in Math Education.
In 1956 Carolyn began teaching at Minden High School in Minden, Louisiana, for principal W.W. Williams, Sr. In August of 1956, Carolyn married her high school sweetheart, James R. Boyett, also of Sarepta, Louisiana, and a graduate of Louisiana Tech. Carolyn and J.R. made their home in Minden, Louisiana, where J.R. began teaching for the Webster Parish School Board.
After teaching Algebra II and Advanced Math for 20 years and serving as cheerleader sponsor, Carolyn became Assistant Principal and remained in that position 10 years until her retirement in 1990. While at Minden High, Carolyn served as MHS Cheerleader sponsor, Student Council sponsor, and Jr-Sr prom sponsor. Upon her retirement, Carolyn was elected to the Webster Parish School Board, a position that she held until 2003. She served as President of the WPSB and was elected to the Louisiana School Board Association, where she also served as President.
In addition to her educational service, Carolyn was also a member of professional and community organizations. Carolyn was a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacher sorority, which she served as president, and the Webster Parish Retired Teachers’ Association. Carolyn was a member of the Minden Young Women’s Service Club which she served as President. She also served as preschool Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church for over 50 years.
Carolyn is predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Laroy S. Hays, Sr., of Minden, LA, her brother and sister-in-law, L.S. Hays, Jr. and wife Gladys, of Doyline, LA, her brother and sister- in-law, James Hays and wife Zelly, of Cleveland, Texas, in-laws, John T. Boyett and wife Lillian White Boyett of Sarepta, LA, and brother-in-law, John T. Boyett, Jr. of Sarepta, LA. She is survived by her husband, James R. Boyett of Minden, LA, her daughter, Kathie Boyett of Minden, LA, her sons, Mark Boyett and wife Holly of Daphne, Alabama, and Ross Boyett and wife Allison of Shreveport, LA, four grandchildren, Trae, Kaleigh, Graceanne, and Catherine, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would thank Allen Mosley and his staff at Premier Family Clinic for the excellent care they have provided Carolyn over the years and the many other medical professionals who have treated Carolyn and made it possible for her to have the quality of life that she maintained for so long.
Further, the family would like to thank Bro. Leland Crawford and their church family at First Baptist Minden for their many prayers and demonstrations of love for Carolyn during her times of illness. A special thanks to Linda Miller for her love and friendship that has sustained Carolyn during some tough times the past few years.
Visitation for Carolyn will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Minden, Louisiana at 9:30 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Leland Crawford officiating.
Pallbearers will be Rusty Boyett, Jacob Brown, Robert Allen Clark, Bud Copeland, Lane Neilson, Chris Williams, and Mike Woodard.
Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory in Minden, Louisiana under the Direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that gifts may be made to “Carolyn Boyett MHS Scholarship Fund” account #9047716 mail to: Gibsland Bank & Trust, 1347 Homer Road, Minden, Louisiana 71055. Please include account number on check.,