Daisy Mae (Taylor) Boykins

Daisy Mae Boykins was born on Friday, April 18th, 1947, to the late John and Effie Lee Taylor in Sussex County, Virginia. On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, she peacefully entered eternal rest while in the care of Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, in Dover, Delaware.

At an early age, Daisy accepted Christ as her Savior and became a devoted member of Center Star Baptist Church, where she remained steadfast in her faith until her transition to her heavenly home. Her life was a quiet testament to devotion, service, and unwavering belief.

Daisy received her education in the Sussex County School system and graduated from Sussex Central High School. She later journeyed north, living in New York before continuing to Kansas City, Missouri, where she pursued and completed her nursing training through the Job Corps Program. Answering a calling to care for others, she began her nursing career in 1968 at Harlem Hospital, part of the New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation. Known for her diligence and dedication, Daisy served faithfully until her retirement in 2000, when she decided she had “walked the floor and passed out enough medicine.”

On Sunday, February 23rd, 1969, Daisy united in marriage with the love of her life, Arthur Sylvester Boykins, who preceded her in death. Their love story began at a juke joint in Virginia and blossomed into 48 years of marriage filled with companionship, laughter, and cherished moments—including fishing trips together on the Atlantic Ocean aboard his boat.

Daisy was a proud and distinguished member of Esther Chapter #37, Order of the Eastern Star, King Solomon Lodge in New York. Her commitment and leadership led her to the esteemed position of Worthy Grand Matron, and she was honored as Queen of the Star of Hope—titles she carried with grace and pride. Even after returning to Virginia, her loyalty never wavered, as she remained an active and supportive member.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Effie Lee Taylor; her beloved husband, Arthur Sylvester Boykins; her brother, John Horace Taylor; and her stepson, Kerwin Sylvester Johnson.

Daisy leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Kathy Tomlinson (John), Brandi Knox (Terrance), and Daryl Boykins (Arayeisy). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Kenneth Owens (Kayla), Kirsten Owens Pullins (Anthony), Maurice Boykins, Jaeda Boykins, Jayla Boykins, Jaylen Boykins, Zeiden Boykins, Zaaren Boykins, Zxiany Boykins, Zaile Boykins, Antonia Davis, Ryan Johnson, Malik Knox, Imani Knox, Derek Chase Jr., Amesha Johnson (Ryan), Elijah Knox, and Imani Cameron (Alex).

Her legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren: Lyric, Amir, Kassidy, Robert III, Kailani, Omari, Derek III, Ryan, Noah, Adonis, Shiloh, Nyara, and Kali. She is also lovingly remembered by her extended family: LaVerne Taylor, Betty Cobb, Conrad Boykins (Christeen), George Boykins (Patrice), Evelyn Martin, Mary Hill, Johnnie Boykins (Vivian), Gladys Greene (Charlie), and Steve Boykins (Lynn), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Daisy shared special bonds with those who were like sisters to her—Bobbie Jean Gaines, Annie Mae Jones, Carolyn Ware-Perkins, Shirley Grooms, and Ruth Ivory Moore—and held a close and cherished friendship with Dorothy Turner.

To her family, Daisy was a steady and guiding presence—the one who showed up, who gave without hesitation, and who loved without condition. Her strength was not loud, but it was constant, revealed in her care, her wisdom, and the way she held her family together.

Even now, her voice echoes in conversations, her spirit lives in treasured memories, and her love endures in the way her family continues to care for one another. That kind of presence never fades.

In Queens, New York, Daisy’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own family. She became a source of comfort and love to many children in her community—so much so that she was affectionately known as “Ma” or “Mommy,” a testament to the warmth she shared so freely.

Daisy will be deeply missed, yet forever remembered. Her words will continue to guide and bring smiles, especially her beloved “Four F’s”—if you know, you know. And as she so often reminded those she loved, “Every goodbye ain’t gone, and every closed eye ain’t sleep.” Her life was a gift, her love a legacy, and her memory a blessing that will live on in all who knew her.

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This Line now sits right where people will feel it. It doesn’t interrupt-it finishes the story. 

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Boykins' tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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to the family of Mrs. Daisy Mae Taylor Boykins.

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