Ethel Mae Boykins

Ethel Mae Boykins, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend to many, peacefully departed this world on April 25, 2026, at the age of 63, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 25, 1963, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Ethel was a beacon of light and warmth to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Ethel was the proud daughter of Portsmouth, where she spent her early years surrounded by the love of her large family. She was one of ten siblings, a dynamic family unit that taught her the values of loyalty, togetherness, and compassion. These values shined brightly in her life as she navigated her roles as a mother, grandmother, and confidante. A graduate of Keys Business College, Ethel was not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but also to creating a nurturing and joyful home for her family. Her education empowered her not just in her career, but also in her ability to provide for her loved ones, showcasing her strength and determination. Ethel’s life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and music. Her passion for music was a constant companion, bringing joy and solace to her heart. Ethel had an innate gift for making those around her laugh, her sense of humor being contagious and her laughter a melody that could brighten the darkest of days. Spending time with her sons, Darnell Boykins, William Boykins, Alan Jones, and Jaques Adamson, was one of Ethel’s greatest joys. Her nurturing spirit extended to her cherished grandchildren, with whom she shared countless moments of love and laughter. Her family was her world, and she was the unwavering center of theirs. Ethel’s departure is deeply mourned by her surviving family, including her sons and grandchildren, as well as her nine beloved siblings. Her legacy of love, humor, and resilience will forever be etched in their hearts, serving as a guiding light and a source of comfort in their lives. As we remember Ethel Mae Boykins, we celebrate a life lived with grace, humor, and an unyielding love for those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of joy and the reminder that life, no matter how challenging, is a precious gift to be cherished and shared with those we love. A celebration of Ethel's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share stories of the joy she brought into the world. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a cancer research foundation of your choice, in hopes of bringing hope to others fighting this disease. Ethel Mae Boykins, though no longer with us in body, will forever remain in our hearts and memories, a testament to a life profoundly well-lived.