1937
Syril
2024
Syril Boyd
May 3, 1937 — November 2, 2024
Syril M. Boyd, age 87, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born on May 3, 1937, in Rockford, she was the daughter of Jack and Belle (Brenner) Dermer. A multi-talented artist, Syril was a singer, dancer, and all-around entertainer who dedicated herself to bringing joy and comfort to others. In her early career, she performed under the stage name Teri Cole, leading the popular Teri Cole Trio. Later, as she continued performing for the troops, she adopted the name Syril, establishing Syril Melodies to create and perform original songs, including during Desert Storm.
A meaningful story from her life tells of the time she received an invitation to visit the home of singer Jo Stafford. On the day she was to go, Syril stopped by her usual beauty salon and shared her excitement with her hairdresser. The stylist, however, warned that such a path might mean she would never have the chance to be a mother. Deeply affected, Syril decided to step back from her career to focus on her family, dedicating herself to raising her two young sons, Mark and Neal.
Syril was also a pioneer in community outreach, launching one of the first neighborhood telethons to support children and families in need. Her efforts caught national attention, even inspiring Jerry Lewis in his later telethon work.
She is survived by her husband, Richard; sons Neal (Pearla) Boyd, William (Rachel) Boyd, Max Boyd, and Paul Boyd; daughters Belle (Paecho) Boyd and Mary Ann Massoth-Boyd; and sister, Judy Schy. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Mark Boyd; and her brothers, Jerry Dermer and Mike Dermer.
The family would like to thank Bowes Home Health for their care in Syril's journey, Norm, her nurse who went out of his way many times and Dr. Brian Bow with M.D. at Home.
Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Rockford Hebrew Cemetery. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Illinois.
A meaningful story from her life tells of the time she received an invitation to visit the home of singer Jo Stafford. On the day she was to go, Syril stopped by her usual beauty salon and shared her excitement with her hairdresser. The stylist, however, warned that such a path might mean she would never have the chance to be a mother. Deeply affected, Syril decided to step back from her career to focus on her family, dedicating herself to raising her two young sons, Mark and Neal.
Syril was also a pioneer in community outreach, launching one of the first neighborhood telethons to support children and families in need. Her efforts caught national attention, even inspiring Jerry Lewis in his later telethon work.
She is survived by her husband, Richard; sons Neal (Pearla) Boyd, William (Rachel) Boyd, Max Boyd, and Paul Boyd; daughters Belle (Paecho) Boyd and Mary Ann Massoth-Boyd; and sister, Judy Schy. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Mark Boyd; and her brothers, Jerry Dermer and Mike Dermer.
The family would like to thank Bowes Home Health for their care in Syril's journey, Norm, her nurse who went out of his way many times and Dr. Brian Bow with M.D. at Home.
Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Rockford Hebrew Cemetery. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, Illinois.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Syril Boyd, please visit our flower store.
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