Mary L. Boddie PhD

Dr. Mary L. Boddie was born on March 5, 1932, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to the late Rev. John H. Sr. and Penny Dunn. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, she began her college journey at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, later continuing her studies at Lehigh County Community College and Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she earned her B.A. and teacher certification. Driven by a passion for education and an unwavering commitment to personal growth, Dr. Boddie went on to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling from Kutztown University and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University.

Remarkably, she accomplished all of this as a divorced single mother, raising her beloved surviving children—June Smith (Tim), Sara Simone, Donald Boddie, and Laurie Williams (Mike)—with grace and determination.

Dr. Boddie began her career as a professional educator in the classroom, then serving as a counselor at Brown Jr. High and Ravenna High School in Ravenna, Ohio. Her career later took her to higher education administration and eventually the U.S. Department of Education, where she worked until her retirement. She was a proud member of The Links, Incorporated and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society—all testaments to her excellence and dedication. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and learning.

In addition to her children, she is survived by five grandchildren—Bryan, Brittany, Sylvia, Keirra and Dionna—eight great-grandchildren, her cherished sister Ethel (the last surviving of ten siblings), and a host of nieces and nephews who will carry her memory forward with pride and affection. Her legacy of love, intellect, and service lives on in all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 8th, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron) where services will be held at 1:00pm with Rev. Kimberly Barnett officiating.

Inurnment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Mary or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.