Jean Boyd, 74, passed away Monday, May 9, 2022.
The family will be receiving visitors on Monday, May 16 from 5-7 pm at Lake Shore Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow on Tuesday, May 17 at 10 am. CLICK HERE to view the Live Stream of the service.
Jean was born in Fort Worth and began playing piano at the age of 5. Music quickly became her lifelong passion, and she graduated from Baylor University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s degree in Church Music and again in 1972 with a Master’s degree in Music History. She went on to earn a PhD in Musicology from the University of Texas in 1985.
Jean was a beloved Baylor faculty member from 1972 until her retirement in 2020. She was a passionate educator, and nearly every Baylor music major experienced her unique talent for bringing music history to life during those 48 years. She was a devoted teacher and colleague, but her true passion above all was her students. Her office door was always open, and it was her honor to serve as a teacher, mentor, and advisor to her students throughout her tenure at Baylor. She also served as the sponsor of the Phi Xi chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon at the Baylor School of Music and was a member of the faculty senate for many years. She was an American Music Scholar and expert on Western Swing music, publishing three books and numerous periodicals on the subject, as well as presenting at countless events and professional meetings.
Jean’s love of music spread beyond the classroom. She was the organist and choir director at Zion Lutheran Church in McGregor from 1980-2016, where she used her talents to bring scripture to life in the form of Easter musicals and choral productions.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Ruby Jean Morrow of Fort Worth and brother, Fred Gary Morrow of the Philippine Islands.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Prisk of Waco; son, John and wife Tammy Phillips of Waco; daughter, Sarah and husband John Taylor of Waco; stepson, Tom and wife Judy Prisk of Houston; stepchild, Josh and partner Amy Prisk of Denton; grandchildren, Alex and Kaitlynn Phillips of Waco, Tommy, Audrey, and Hanna Prisk of Houston; aunt, Ann Meek of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A scholarship in Dr. Boyd’s memory is being established, and the family welcomes you to contribute in advance. Memorial gifts should be directed to the Baylor Memorial Gifts Fund, Baylor University, One Bear Place #97050, Waco, Tx 76798-7050, or online at https://baylor.edu/give/inmemory/JBoyd. Please note that the gift is in her memory.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Boyd during a trip to Washington State, during The Northwestern Western Swing Hall of Fame event a few years back. I was so honored to receive as a gift all of her Western Swing Books during my induction in to that Hall….My sincere condolences.
I tried to locate Jean Ann years ago, but only knew her married name as Phillips. She and her brother, Fred Gary were my step siblings years ago…
I just received this notification through our old High School…
My sympathy to her family and will hold all of you in my prayers.
RIP Jean Ann…
I was proud to go to elementary through high school with my dear friend. I called her Jay. Back then she was known as Jean Ann. She played the pipe organ for my wedding. We were very close. Later we formed a group friends and were forever known as the “seven”. I lost track of her after high school. We went to different colleges and pursued different careers and moved to different areas but I will forever remember the love we shared and the fun we had. My condolences to her family and many friends and students. She left her mark and this world and I am proud to have been her friend.