Jeannette "Jean" Boyer

Jeannette “Jean” Boyer (Flora Jeannette Mathis Quinn) passed on April 7, 2023 at the age of 87. She and Oliver Porter Boyer were married for 52 years. She is survived by Lynda Manning (Daniel), Carol Stiebel (David), Patrick (Alyssa) and Susanna Gross (Benjamin); seven grandchildren – Patrick and Catherine Manning, Hannah and Sarah Stiebel, Jadyn and Isaac Gross, Finn Boyer and two greatgrandchildren – Claire and Alivia Manning.

Jean grew up in Kenansville NC, graduated from Flora MacDonald College with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She married Oliver and started their family. In 1960, they built their family home in Bel Air and lived there for over 50 years. Jean was a founding member of Christ Our King Church and was active in decorating the Church for holidays and coordinating the weekly flowers for decades.

Jean’s creative spirit could be seen in her many skills. She taught herself to make drapes and slipcovers. She was a member of several garden clubs and devoted many hours to designing her own landscape. Their home in Bel Air was showcased in the annual Garden Tour several times. Jean discovered her talent for painting, quilting, and woodworking in her later years and generously shared her creations. She was known to make drapes for dorm rooms, clothes for American Girl dolls and knitted many scarves and sweaters.

Jean was co-owner of The Victorian Ladies and made flower arrangements for many local weddings and craft fairs. She devoted her time to area foundations including Steppingstone Museum and the Harford County Historical Society. She was instrumental in re-igniting the Bel Air Garden Mart and was actively involved in running the event for many years. Jean spearheaded collecting baby clothes and other supplies from consignment shops to create baby bags for new mothers in West Virginia.

The family home was always full of kids and pets, but her dog Barney holds a special place in her heart and is adored by the residents at Avondell. Her enthusiasm and can-do determination will be missed by her friends and family. 

Any donations may be made in her memory to Christ Our King Presbyterian Church - 10 Lexington Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014.

Jean’s family invites you to join them for a luncheon following services at Christ Our King Presbyterian Church - 10 Lexington Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014.