Marian Melinda (Budde) Boykin died peacefully in her home during the early morning hours of December 29, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. A native of Portage, Wisconsin, Marian swore she actually did have to “go uphill in the snow both ways to get to and from school.” She and her husband of fifty-two years, Jerry, ultimately made Mobile, AL their home after living in numerous locales across the country.

Marian is survived by her husband, Jerry; their three children, Jennifer Yurko {Nick} of Madison, AL, Jaimie Camenzind {Heinz} of Panama City, FL, and Jeremy Boykin of Mobile, AL; her grandchildren, Jonathon Sanders, Caroline Shaw, Natacha Camenzind, John Shaw, Chantal Camenzind, Nicholas Boykin, Miles Boykin, and Carmen Camenzind; two great-grandchildren, Lloyd Finnegan Goodman and Layton Piers Goodman; and by her sister, Margaret Hawlicheck of Connecticut.  Marian is preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Jordan Montgomery Sanders of Mobile, AL.

Marian’s interests were broad, and her talents varied. She excelled at the endeavors to which she applied her efforts.  Intelligent, articulate, and possessing a keen interest in archaeology and history, she brought a great depth of understanding and knowledge to conversations on many subjects, most fondly European and Anglophile history and culture. She spent many joyous hours deeply engaged in genealogical studies, often staying up all night as she teased out the ancestry of family and friends and reveling in the associated colorful narratives gleaned from old records. She was a skilled craftswoman, whose intricately created projects were thoughtful and personal. She was accomplished at sewing and needlework, and it can never be said that one left her dining room table hungry in body or spirit. An excellent cook, she loved to gather friends and family around the table to share time, a meal, and a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee. Marian also loved to travel, enjoying outings to various places, like spending quiet time in reflection visiting a religious shrine, and sampling a new or favorite winery. Yet with all these things, if asked, she would likely have listed her passion for music and her involvement with both church music programs and the Gloria Dei Chorale among the things at the top of her list of enjoyed activities.  

Marian was a founding member of Gloria Dei Chorale. Her commitment proved a determined, driving force behind sustaining and growing the group over the course of two decades. She had a beautiful alto voice, and worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to provide invaluable support and insight to Gloria Dei’s directors. Marian shared countless hours and immeasurable love as an ever-present helper and friend to its members, aiding in concert planning, creating concert programs, generating publicity, organizing music, and even at times, guided by her sharp musical eye and ear, editing and proofing scores. She served diligently on Gloria Dei’s Board of Directors, most recently as vice president, although she insisted upon remaining mostly behind the scenes.  

Marian was a woman of immense strength through myriad adversities. She possessed a quick, sardonic wit, an observant nature, strong convictions, and a giving soul. Her presence touched everyone around her. Marian deeply loved her family, her friends, and her furry family, Archie and Winnie, whose companionship and canine antics brought her comfort and laughter in the midst of her final struggles. She was ever swift to extend that circle of love to anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She is deeply loved and deeply missed.

The funeral service for Marian M. Boykin will be held Saturday morning, January 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 1707 Government Street; Mobile, AL 36604. A time of fellowship with the family will follow the service in the Great Hall of St. John’s.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marian’s memory may be directed to the Gloria Dei Chorale. The organization’s website is found at gloriadeichoralemobile.org . Donations may be made either directly through the website, or may be mailed to:  Gloria Dei Chorale – c/o St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1707 Government Street, Mobile, AL  36604.

Gloria Dei Chorale is a diverse, welcoming, ecumenical community chorus open to all who wish to commit of their time, talents, heart, and skills to produce fine musical experiences for both performers and audience, while also helping their fellow man. The chorale prepares two concerts per season, with the proceeds collected going directly to benefit charities in the local community.

Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at ww.whughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.