BBBTV12 Serving Anderson, Roane, and Morgan Counties
D. Joanne “Mimi” Boyle (87) passed away peaceably after a short illness on July 30, joining her husband, Bill Boyle, son Bob Boyle, and mother Wilda Summers in heaven.
Born in Morgantown, WV, Joanne liked to say she acquired her “MRS. degree” at WVU, where she met Bill while working in the College of Engineering, married in 1959, and were blessed with 62 years together. They moved to Oak Ridge in 1978 with their 3 children, and welcomed her 2 nieces into the family the next year, after the tragic loss of their family.
Joanne was a dedicated wife, mother, aunt, and “professional volunteer” throughout her life. Among her many accomplishments, she served an unprecedented two terms as President of the Morgantown Junior Women’s Club, and later as the Chairwoman of the National Convention for the Advancement of Research (NCAR). While serving as the President of the Oak Ridge YWCA, she led the fight to raise funds and establish the first battered women’s shelter in the area.
A woman of faith, she served on numerous committees and in groups at the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, and supported her children in participating in youth choir, mission trips, and other activities. For over 7 years, she helped sew and manage the costumes for the high school drama club, Masquers, and other events in support of her children, and was affectionately called “Momma B” by their friends.
Joanne loved to travel and frequently accompanied Bill on business trips across the US, hosting events for wives and families as part of key conferences. After retirement, she and Bill enjoyed trips to Europe, in particular river cruising, and visiting her children, grandchildren and friends.
Joanne was always ready to help, and loved to spend time with her family and friends. She was dedicated to caring for her husband in the later years, and for her beloved Maltese, Murphy.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Debbie (Neil) Young, Zach and Kelsey; Bob’s wife Emily Boyle, Emma, Josiah (Emily), Malachi, Maggie, Haddie, and Jesse; Elizabeth (Andrew) Asnip, Daniel; Julie Summers, and Susan Summers, and her sister Janet Summers.
Services will be held Sunday, September 6 at the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, with a receiving of friends at 1 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 pm.
In memory of Joanne, please consider making a donation to the Tennessee Alzheimer’s Association (alztennessee.org) or the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge.
