Demetrius Rafael Boyd

Mr. Demetrius Rafael Boyd was born on December 28, 2001, to Naima Boyd and Demetrius Millen. He was called home to be with the Lord on January 15, 2025, doing what he loved to do which was fishing. 

Demetrius grew up in Sylvania on his family-owned land surrounded by a village of loved ones who was the best big brother you could ever ask for named Tiondre. Demetrius was a member of Simmons Branch Baptist Church. At an early age, he made the decision to give his life to the Lord and be baptized. He was an awesome little brother, big brother, nephew, new father, grandson, and dear son. He was the go-to man in the family when help was needed, especially when helping with things that required strong muscles yet he was also known to do small jobs that helped the family as well, such as babysitting, spending quality time with the younger family members such as his baby sister, bonus sisters or his baby cousin Royalty. When he wasn't working or in class, Demetrius found joy in fishing and hunting with his childhood friends, the late Elijahjoun Ty'rell Brodnex and Davien Perry, hunting, fishing, and hanging out with his Uncle Dully (Ray Walker, Jr.) and his bonus father Kenneth Scruggs. He also enjoyed deep masculine conversations with his uncle Ron D. (Ruandi Boyd). 

He was blessed to receive deep love and guidance from three great aunts Dolores Claude, Cherryl Smith, & Wendy Gordon, his grandmother who adored him, Dyan Gordon, and a beloved great-grandmother Robbie Lou Burgest-Gordon, for most of his life. He attended the Screven County public school system and graduated with the class of 2020. He continued his education with a scholarship to attend Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa majoring in Physical Therapy. He also attended Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia, and was expected to graduate in May 2025 with a dual degree in: Biology and Sports Management. He was a lover of sports. At the young age of four, he was found interest in soccer, swimming, and basketball. In High school, he excelled in becoming an essential member of the Screven County School football and wrestling teams known as the Screven County Gamecocks. While attending college in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, he met his Soulmate Virginia Esther and they welcomed a beautiful son into this world naming him Pharaoh Nissany Boyd. Hoping to make his life easier as a college student, his mother and grandmother supported him financially. Additionally, to help support his family Demetrius would find jobs off and on, eventually earning a position in the Bakery/Deli with the Food Lion Family in Sylvania Ga. Cooking was one of his passions and he loved to cook for his family. 

Demetrius leaves his memories to be cherished by his beloved fiancé, Virginia Ester of Sylvania, GA; their precious son, Pharaoh Nisany Boyd, of Sylvania, GA; He shared a close bond with his mother, Naima Boyd, and his bonus father, Kenneth Scruggs of Sylvania, GA. He also shared a close bond with his father, Demetrius Millen (Lavonda Johnson) of Statesboro, GA; his bonus mom Chiquita Scott of Statesboro, GA; his siblings: Tiondre Boyd, ShaNieya Millen, Peyton Millen, and his bonus siblings Simaya Curry, Ricaya Curry, and Ariyana Westen, all of Statesboro, GA. Demetrius also held a special place in his heart for his great-grandmothers, Mrs. Frances Johnson of Nevils, GA; and Mrs. Grace Millen of Statesboro, GA; as well as his grandfather, Mr. Ray Walker, Sr., and maternal grandmother, Mrs. Dyan Gordon all of Statesboro, GA; his aunts Atkia Reid and Leyia Millen and an uncle, Qua Mikell were also very instrumental in his life, providing love and guidance.

Though Demetrius’ life was filled with bright moments and fond memories, he was also shaped by the legacy of his ancestors who have passed. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Arnold Boyd, as well as his great-grandparents: Robbie Lou Burgest-Gordon, Reggie Gordon, and Eugene Johnson, his paternal grandmother, Patricia Millen, and his aunt, Cynthia Golden, whose spirits he carried with him and his cousins Jeshua Morgan, Tamashe’ Jones, Jabari Walker, Ser’ray Walker, and Princess Golden - remind us all of the bonds that unite family together in love and remembrance.

As we honor Demetrius Rafael Boyd, we celebrate a life filled with passion, love, and connection to nature. He will be deeply missed, yet his spirit will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. May he rest in peace, forever fishing in the tranquil waters of eternity.

Public viewing for Mr. Demetrius Boyd will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Funeral services for Mr. Boyd will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Screven County Recreational Department Gym, 1605 Millen Hwy, Sylvania, GA 30467 with Rev. Joe Herrington, eulogist, and Pastor Loretta Gaines, presiding.

Burial will follow at the Friendship Memorial Cemetery in Sylvania.

Pallbearers will be Jalen Stewart, Davien Perry, Marquavious White, Corey Morris, Keon Morris, Byron Tisby, Tionde Boyd and Ruandi Boyd.

Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements. 

Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.