I'M FREE Don't grieve for me,for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me; I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play; Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembering joy, A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; ah, yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perl1Ips 11'Y time see111ed all to0 brief dnn'~ le11 o-then jt now znith unduegri~f Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now-He set me free. Lovingly Submitted, The Family Kenneth Boyd Donald Moffitt Robert James Daryl Singleton The family of Alicia Diane Ashby-Boyd wishes to express its deep appreciation and gratitude for the many acts of kindness, thoughts, prayers, communications, floral tributes and friendships extended through her illness and in our hour of bereavement. Your thoughtfulness and concern have helped tremendously to lighten our sorrows. May God bless you and keep you in His grace. Funeral Services Entrusted to: CARL C. BURNETT FUNERAL HOME, INC. 456 South Franklin Street Hempstead, New York 11550 516-489-4492 www.bumettfamily.com Sunrise April17, 1964 Sunset Apri/12, 2004 SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2004- 10:00 a.m. ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH OF HEMPSTEAD 94 James L.L. Burrell Avenue Hempstead, New York 11550 REVEREND DR. PHILLIP E. ELLIOTT, Pastor, Officiating Interment GREENFIELD CEMETERY Hempstead, New York 11550 REVEREND DR. PHILLIP E. ELLIOTT Officiating THE PRELUDE ...............................................................................................Minister Byron Elliott THE PROCESSIONAL AND PARTING VIEW THE HYMN OF COMFORT ...................................................................... "Lift Him Up" Page 198 THE SCRIPTURE ........... .................L....... ............ ... ..................................Old Testament, Psalm 23 New T~stam:~~t, J~hn 14:1-7 THE PRAYER OF COMFORT THE SOLO .................................................................................................................Ms. Jean Bligen THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CONDOLENCES .........................Sister Virginia Oliver THE OBITUARY ...........................................................................................................Silently Read THE SELECTION ..................................................................................Antioch Ministry of Music THE GOSPEL MESSAGE ................................................................Reverend Dr. Phillip E. Elliott THE SELECTION .......................................:..........................................Antioch Ministry of Mtisk . THE BENEDICTION .......................................................................Reverend Dr. Phillip E. Elliott THE RECESSIONAL ...................................................................... Reverend Dr. Phillip E. Elliott Repast to follow Interment at: ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH OF HEMPSTEAD Alicia Diane Ashby-Boyd, was born on April17, 1964 in Washington, D.C. As the only child of Frank and Sandra Ashby she brought much joy and love into their lives. Her brie( but rich life, was one that touched and inspired many people, both young and old alike. Alicia departed this life on April 12, 2004, at Mercy Hospital Center in Rockville Centre, New York. As a member of Antioch Baptist Church, where she served the Lord faithfully from childhood to adulthood, Alicia's life and service reflected this commitment. She was blessed with an angelic voice and sang with the Voices of Antioch. Deon and Alicia Boyd forged a true friendship that led to an unconditional commitment and union. Through this union they were blessed with two sons: Deon, Jr., age 8, and David, age 4. Alicia received her primary education at the Ludlum Elementary School in Hempstead, New York. Coincidentally, this is the same school where her mother is presently the Principal. Alicia was active in the community even as a young girl. She was a Camp Fire Girl and cheerleader for the Time-Out Club's Biddy ~asketball Team. This was the same team coached by her father that fostered the strong bond they cherished. Education was paramount in Alicia's life. Her quest for learning was balanced with academics, the arts and inter-scholastic athletics. Graduating with honors from Hempstead High School in 1982, Alicia went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Professional Education from Howard University in 1987. This lead to her profession as a Chemist. In 1996, she then received her Master of Science in Chemistry and Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. She was awarded a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the College of New Rochelle in 1999. Always striving to exceed the standards, Alicia had an anticipated completion date of May, 2005 for a Dual Doctorate from St. John's University in Queens, New York. Professionally, Alicia's tenure began in the Freeport public schools and continued in the Hempstead public schools, where she served as a Science Teacher, Youth Employment Coordinator and Chairperson of the Science Department. She thoroughly enjoyed her current position as Director of Science and Technology in the Deer Park public schools. Alicia was a member of the Association of Compensatory Education, Science Teachers' Association of New York, Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, National Association of Black School Educators, and New York State United Teachers. In addition, she was a member of the School Based Management Team, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Nassau County Chapter and the Fairview Block Association. She served as Science Club Advisor, KEY Club Advisor and Double Dutch Coach. Some of the awards and grants she has received included the Presidential Award for Excellence in :f\Aath, Science and TechnologY: Association of Ccrnpensatory Edu.c2.tbn Grant Recipient and TRACT Grant Recipient. Alicia Diane Ashby-Boyd led a life which can be summarized as positive, productive and meaningful. For this reason she will be missed and remembered by all who loved her, knew her and have been touched by her life. She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband, Deon; and her two precious sons, Deon, Jr. and D':lvid Franklin; her loving parents, Frank and Sandra Ashby of Hempstead, New York; mother-in-law, Christine Boyd of Brooklyn, New York; father-in-law, David Boyd of Elmhurst, New York; one great aunt, Mary Burris of Jamaica, New York; three aunts, Sophie Glenn of Oceanside, New York, Jean Parker (Anthony) and Joyce Graydon of Washington, D.C.; three uncles, Horace Graydon, Richard Graydon (Joyce) and Gaston McVea of Washington, D.C.; two sisters-in-law, Rita Boyd of Long Beach, New York and Yolanda Jones of Brooklyn, New York; one brother-in-law, Kenneth Boyd of Roosevelt, New York; two godmothers, Betty Ford and Delores James; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.