Mrs. Avis Boyd-Gaines

 2014 Mortician of the Year

Avis, the youngest daughter of the late Mr. James C. Boyd, Sr. and Mrs. Corine H. Boyd is a native Floridian who graduated from Plantation High School, Plantation, Florida in January 1979.  She immediately furthered her education at Miami-Dade College (former Miami-Dade Community College) and majored in Mortuary Science.  She graduated in May 1981 and two weeks later she joined the United States Army.  She mastered many levels and positions within the United States Army to include an Inspector General at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., an Equal Opportunity Advisor at Camp Casey Korea and a First Sergeant at Youngsan, Korea.  She traveled extensively while in the Army to include such places as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosova, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Columbia, South Carolina, Wildflecken, Germany and Butzback, Germany where she met and married her husband, Earl A. Gaines Jr. almost 36 years ago.

Avis has an Associate of Science degree in Mortuary Science, an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Miami-Dade College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University and a Master Degree in Human Resources from Trident University International (former Touro University International).  She earned a host of awards and medals for her dedicated service and contributions to her country to include the highest peace time award, The Legion of Merit.

In 2008, she retired after 26 years of service to return to South Florida with her husband, Earl A. Gaines Jr., Retired Army; son:  Earl A. Gaines III; daughter, Alexis Sullivan; son-in-law: Jeffery Sullivan and granddaughter, Na’Mya Sullivan.  Since her return, her family has grown even more to include two more granddaughters:  Jaeliana Sullivan and Ava Sullivan.

Avis is a brave courageous soldier who has unselfishly transitioned from a leader in the military to leading the family business as Presiding Owner.  She is the Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in charge at the James C. Boyd Funeral Home, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; an active member of the Florida Morticians Association, Inc.; Broward County Business and Professional Women’s Network; The Kiwanis Club of Central Broward and 100 Black Women of Funeral Services, Inc.  Avis is a member of First Baptist Church Piney Grove.  She has received numerous community awards to include the recipient of The Links, Inc., 2013 Health and Human Services Award, The National Newspaper Publisher Association Community Service Award, The First Regional District and The Florida Morticians Association Inc., 2014 Mortician of the Year.  With prayer, the sustained support of family, staff and the community, Avis Boyd-Gaines and the James C. Boyd Funeral Home will continue to provide quality service to the Tri-County areas and surrounding communities. The Family has been providing service to Broward County for over 48 years.