Birth date: Sep 16, 1946 Death date: Jan 14, 2025
Joan Carole Boyd, 78, of DeWitt, IA and formerly of Clinton, IA, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Fieldstone, DeWitt. Memorial services will be 10:30AM Monday, January 20, 2025 at First United Presbyterian Church, Clinton. Read Obituary
I was fortunate to have Joan Boyd when she taught Clinton High School's first AP English class. I never enjoyed English classes bit she made it interesting and fun. She became a dear friend when she took me and a couple friends canoeing in the Boundary Waters following graduation. She was a fabulous woman.
I was extremely fortunate to have Ms. Boyd as my AP English teacher my senior year. She helped develop me develop my writing skills to a collegiate level. The class was so much more than that too. It was a social club, full of Shakespeare themed-dinners, trips to musicals, play acting, and character acting. The class had so much fun! These experiences helped inspire me to be a teacher! I am eternally grateful for her instruction, care for learning, and tremendous passion for bringing the arts to life. Our world was made a better place because of Joan Boyd….RIP
Ms. Boyd was a remarkable person who had an impact far beyond what any of us can imagine. I never took a course with her, but seemed to gravitate to her classroom for the slightest reason. It was there that she, gently, recommended books to read, music to listen to, laughed when I mispronounced words while giving the morning announcements from the Principal's office. And she had the genius and patience to let me and my best friends join the cheer-leading squad as "Yell Leaders" starting in 1972. We trained at 6am in the "old gym" and had frequent visits from University of Iowa cheerleaders to give us tips. She was always there to open the gym, encourage and "cheer" us on. It is unforgettable! With nothing in it for her, she coached me on my college admission essay that sent me on a trajectory I never imagined. We were all aware of how exceptional she was, but the paella she could make was almost divine. She will be profoundly be missed and, Thank You Joan for gracing me, my friends and so many CHS students. Tom Koch, CHS 1974
I was very sad to learn of Joan’s passing. I meet her in the 1980s in at a Scottish Singing Course at Stirling University. After the course she traveled with us through Scotland and down to Southern England. I also meet up with her for a weeklong visit to London in 2013. During that trip we packed in five shows, a trip to Hampton Court and Winchester. Joan loved to shop and could strike up and hold a conversation with anyone. On our way back to London from Hampton Court she missed getting on the return train to London since she was talking to the Tea Lady on the platform. All I could do was wave and wait for her to arrive at Paddington Station on a later train. Later we were able to visit her in Iowa and bring scones and clotted cream to enjoy English Tea Time. Joan had a lifelong love of learning and travel, and it was a privilege to know and travel with her. Rest in Peace Joan, you will be missed but you have a lasting legacy.
Miss Boyd was my English teacher at CHS. She was patient, fair and had excellent standards for her students. I also enjoyed having her as my cheerleading coach. She kept our lively group in check! RIP, Miss Boyd. ~Patty Larkin Wolf, CHS Class of ‘76.
Joan was one of my favorite teachers. Her creative writing class was instrumental in helping me become a better writer. More than that, she gave me the confidence and encouragement to pursue more than I thought I could. May her memory be a blessing.
I have known Joan for almost fifty years, ever since I joined the English department at Clinton High. She was born to be an educator. She cared deeply about her students and their welfare. She was one of the smartest people we know, and she loved to continue learning. We joined her on several trips to the theater in Chicago, and on a tour of England and Scotland. Joan traveled the world, and made friends wherever she went. She loved her church and her family, and she will be missed.
Dee and Steve Smith
