Ivy Mae

Boyster

Ivy Mae Boyster, 88, passed away on September 26, 2026, in Covington, Tennessee. She was born on September 03, 1938, in Saint Charles, Arkansas, to Elmer and Nellie Cleaver Dodson and was the firstborn of twelve children.

Ivy received her early education through the Clarendon, Arkansas public schools. Her formal education ended after the fifth grade when, as the oldest child in a large family, she was called upon to help care for her younger brothers and sisters. From an early age, Ivy learned the meaning of responsibility, devotion, and putting family first—qualities that remained a part of her throughout her life and helped to shape her role as matriarch of a large family.

In 1962, Ivy married George Edward Boyster, Jr. Over the years, they made their home in many locations throughout the South, including Marianna, Arkansas; Clarksdale, Mississippi; and Memphis, Tennessee, before returning to Clarendon, where they remained. Together, Ivy and George shared 59 years of marriage and built a life centered on their family. The Boysters were blessed with two children, a daughter, Joyce, and later a son, George, and enjoyed the laughter and memories that came with raising their family.

Ivy had a love for “real” county music with Merle Haggard being a favorite. Ivy enjoyed having a good time and was always up for a game of Farkle, often with a glass of her homemade wine in hand, and Elvis or George Strait taking stage in the background. Ivy cherished her tight-knit family, always finding comfort in a good fish fry and the other simple joys that made Dial Creek Road a sanctuary and home.

Ivy was a fantastic cook, with Sunday morning scrambles for her “first biscuit” being a regular occurrence. Ivy took immense pride in being a skilled homemaker and crafter and she devoted her life to caring for her home and those she loved. In 2021, after nearly six decades of marriage, Ivy experienced the unexpected loss of her beloved husband, George. Ivy recently endured the heart wrenching loss of her best friend and daughter, Joyce, in late 2025. The family takes solace knowing that they have all been rejoined and renewed their familiar “It’s me again Margaret!” greeting.

Ivy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Nellie Dodson; her husband, George Edward Boyster, Jr.; her daughter, Nancy Joyce Boyster-Bristol; brothers, Elmer ”Elmo” Dodson, Jr. and James “Bobo” Dodson; sisters, Jewel Henley, Sylvia Lois Criswell, Judy Parmley, Christine Turnage, and Bonnie Jackson; and great-grandchildren Trevor Turner and Cody Carleson.

Ivy leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, George Edward Boyster, III, and wife Jennifer of Covington, Tennessee; brothers, Eldon Leroy “Roy” Dodson of Clarendon, Ronnie Dodson and wife Brenda of Hot Springs, and Paul Dodson; a sister, Alice Caldwell and husband Vernon of Clarendon. She will also be adoringly remembered by her reverent grandchildren, Randy Turner and wife Melina of Atoka, Tennessee, Garry Wayne Turner and wife Karen of Clarendon, Tim Turner of Clarendon, Bradley Boyster and wife Melissa of New Market, Alabama, and Amanda Boyster of Covington, Tennessee; cherished great-grandchildren Austin Turner of Atoka, Tennessee; Brianna Peck and husband Spencer of Germantown, Tennessee; John Carleson of Wisconsin; Jackson, Mason, and Wyatt Colburn of Covington, Tennessee; and Layla and Amelia Boyster of New Market, Alabama; and many extended family members and friends.

Ivy’s life was one of sacrifice and dedicated devotion to family. From caring for her younger siblings as a child to building and raising a family of her own, she spent a lifetime giving of herself to those she loved. Her memory remains in the hearts of the generations who are fortunate enough to call her sister, friend, “Mama”, and “Grandma”. The family takes comfort in knowing that Ivy is fully healed and dwells in the house of The Lord forever.

Visitation will be held at 1 PM on September 30, 2026, at Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home in Clarendon, with graveside service and burial to follow immediately afterward at Shady Grove South Cemetery in Clarendon.