Martha Rivers Boyles

Martha Rivers Chapman Boyles, a longtime Atlanta resident, passed away at 91 on Monday, November 14 of natural causes. Born on her grandparents’ farm in Crawfordville, Georgia, on January 25, 1925, she shared many fond memories of growing up at “such a happy place” among numerous cousins, especially Dot Wynn Gibbs, also born on the farm just one month later. The daughter of Myra Louise Wynn and Mell Watson Chapman, who owned the general store in town, Martha graduated the Alexander Stephens Institute in Crawfordville before entering North Georgia College in Dahlonega. She then moved to Atlanta to work as a secretary for Hartford Insurance, and soon met Hal Thomas Boyles, a dental student at Emory University. They married on June 20, 1946. The couple initially resided in Gastonia, NC, where Hal practiced dentistry with his father, but returned to Atlanta for him to open his own dental office, which operated in Buckhead for 46 years. Throughout their lives, Martha and Hal enjoyed traveling and went on numerous journeys, both planned and spontaneous, beginning with their honeymoon to Miami and an impromptu excursion to Cuba. Many trips were by car, particularly when sons Don and Gary were young, and they covered the United States. Martha and Hal further visited parts of Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. More than anything, however, she loved being at home and devoting her life to her family, including canine and feline members.
Martha is survived by her sons Don Cathie of Decatur, GA, and Gary Sallie of Duluth, GA; grandchildren Mark and Holly Boyles; cousins Dot Wynn Gibbs of Social Circle, GA, Mary Lynn Reinagel of Social Circle, GA, Judye Pearson of Macon, GA, Elaine Taylor of Pembroke, GA, and Luci Hough of Peachtree City, GA; sister-in-law Prue Luers of Grand Island, NE; and Muffin, her beloved dog. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Martha’s memory to the UGA Foundation for the College of Veterinary Medicine, 501 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602 or vet.uga.edu/giving or to Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters at furkids.org/donation.
As you celebrate a life well-lived,91yrs,may you find comfort from the words found in God’s Word,the Bible,during this difficult time. My sincere condolences to the family.
John 11:11 Isaiah 26:19
Please accept my condolences for the loss of Ms. Boyles. May God help you to bear the burden of your grief during this difficult time Psalm 55:22. Warm Regards, Kay