Lellingby Boyce. Courtesy of her family
Lellingby Annabelle Barbara Boyce (born Barbara Jean Flunder), a beloved educator, storyteller, and cultural historian, passed away peacefully in Davis at the age of 87.
She was born on May 26, 1938, in Oakland, to Albert Frances and Annabelle Flunder. After the passing of her mother, Annabelle, her father remarried Jimmie Lee Boyce, whose love and guidance shaped her life. In honor of that bond, she later embraced the name Lellingby Annabelle Barbara Boyce. She was the eldest of two daughters, sharing her childhood with her sister, Vaudine Shannon.
A native of Berkeley, Ms. Boyce pursued her higher education at UC Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts in History, and Master of Library Science in Education. She enjoyed a distinguished career in public education, remembered for her intelligence, articulate teaching style, and dedication to preserving history and culture.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Boyce was celebrated for her joy in singing and her beautiful operatic voice. She performed widely, bringing to life African American spirituals, operatic arias, Broadway classics, and art songs. Her recitals often included sing-alongs, inviting audiences to share in the music and storytelling traditions she cherished.
In keeping with her commitment to education and empowerment, Ms. Boyce left instructions to establish a scholarship in honor of her grandmother Evelyn Flunder. This scholarship will support African American female undergraduates at UC Berkeley, ensuring that her legacy of mentorship and opportunity continues for generations to come.
Ms. Boyce also produced numerous programs for the Berkeley and Davis community, highlighting African American history and culture through folk tales, dance, piano, and storytelling. These programs reflected her deep commitment to preserving heritage and sharing it with future generations. Her work was recognized by UC Berkeley Arts, City of Richmond, Davis Community Television and Davis Media Access, underscoring her impact as both an artist and cultural historian.
She was known as a highly intelligent and articulate woman whose voice, whether in song, teaching, or conversation, left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
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