Renea Boyd

During her junior year at Allegan High School, Renea met the love of her life, Charles Boyd. Their bond was immediate and enduring. They married on March 20, 1969, and shared fifty-five beautiful years together until Charles’s passing on June 19, 2024. Their marriage was a testament to partnership, resilience, and deep affection. Together, they raised three children, Nichole, Charles, and Kelly—who were the heart of their world. Renea was a dedicated and hardworking woman who spent twenty years at Summit Polymers. She made history as the company’s first Black woman to serve as Union President, leading with fairness, courage, and a steadfast belief in opportunity for all. In her final decade at Summit, she focused passionately on diversifying the workforce, opening doors, and creating pathways for future generations. In 2015, Renea and Charles moved to Arizona, embracing a new chapter filled with sunshine, family visits, and well-earned rest. Nothing brought Renea more joy than time spent with her grandchildren—Maxwell, Alicia, Kalan, and Chandler—and her “Boyfriend” (Nichole’s husband) great-grandsons, Sage and Legacy. She also enjoyed time with her daughter-in-law, Sonjalita (Charles’s wife), son-in-law Jonathan Garris, aka “Boyfriend,” granddaughter-in-law Josie (Maxwell’s wife), and friends. She delighted in their laughter, celebrated their milestones, and poured her love into each of them. Renea will be remembered for her sharp wit, nurturing spirit, creativity, fierce love, and straight-shooting nature—qualities that made those around her feel grounded and truly seen. She spoke the truth with humor, cared deeply and without hesitation, and lived with a spirit that was both bold and warm. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her, yet her legacy endures in the family she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the example she leaves behind.