Boyd Braxton III

Boyd Edward Braxton, III was born on March 11, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan, to his loving parents, the late Mr. Boyd Braxton, Sr. and Evangelist Lola Edwards-Braxton. To this union, nine children were born. Boyd was the oldest of six brothers and three sisters. One brother, Christopher, preceded him in death.

Boyd was educated in the Detroit Public School System and graduated from Eastern High School in 1966. He went on to pursue post-secondary education at Wayne County Community College where he received an Associate of Arts Degree in 1984 and was currently in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Special Education at the Wayne State University College of Lifelong Learning.

At the age of eleven, Boyd was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple Church under the pastorate of the late Bishop Samuel N. Hancock. Boyd served faithfully for over forty years in many capacities at Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple, as a member of the young people’s department, praise leader, youth leader, dining room waiter, and Vacation Bible School teacher and arts and crafts coordinator. Boyd served as True Churches of the Apostolic Faith National Young People’s Chairman and Assistant Chairman, and Great Lakes Conference Young People’s Chairman of the True Churches of the Apostolic Faith. Additionally, he served as treasurer of the Gospel Crusaders.

On June 22, 1968, Boyd was united in Holy Matrimony to Pearl Anderson. To this union seven children were born, one daughter and six sons.

Boyd was employed at Northville Regional Psychiatric Hospital as a Resident Care Technician from 1968-1983. He then transitioned careers and began teaching at Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple Christian School, where he not only taught but served as a mentor, counselor, and advisor, and was loved and respected by many. After serving at Clinton Street Greater Bethlehem Temple Christian School, Boyd continued his teaching career with the Detroit Public School System where he was currently employed.

Possessing a servant’s heart, Boyd served tirelessly in ministry, feeding and clothing the homeless for many years under the leadership of Pastor Reginald Edwards, Mt. Zion Temple of Praise and Deliverance. Boyd continued on to serve in ministry under the leadership of Bishop D.W. Claiborne, where he was elevated to Associate Pastor and served until he became ill.

Boyd had an innate sense of creativity and passion for interior design. His keen eye for the coordination of colors and design pallets was well known. As co-owner of Braxton’s Interior Designs, he decorated and catered for weddings, banquets and various church, family, and community events. Boyd was very family-oriented and enjoyed family gatherings and coordinating events.

Boyd made his transition on Sunday, October 6, 2013, at the age of 65 years old, after a brief illness.

He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: one daughter, Sherri Brown; six sons, Boyd IV, Jonathan (Maria), Stephen, Jason, Corey (Atlanta, GA), Andrew (Jeanett) (Barberton, OH); sixteen grandchildren; five brothers, Barry (Oklahoma City, OK), Darryl (Esther) (Oklahoma City, OK), David and Michael (Bonita); three sisters, Christine Cole (Darryl), Barbara Smith, and Betty; one sister-in-law, Cynthia; three aunts, Josephine Davis, Cora Braxton, and Shirley Turner-Huff; two uncles, Bishop Nathaniel Edwards, Sr. (Diane) (Lansing, MI) and Lawrence Braxton; a host of nieces and nephews (all of whom were made to feel as if they were the “special one”); cousins, other relatives, saints and friends.