of West Memphis, AR

December 28, 1936 - May 30, 2025

Pernie Christine Hodge Boyles, 88, of West Memphis, Arkansas, passed away at home surrounded by family May 30, 2025. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend whose strength, love, and wisdom will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Born on December 28,1936 to Richard ''Red'' Hodge and Jewel Pernie Bohannon in Osceola, Arkansas, Pernie was raised during the Great Depression in a financially struggling family. She often joked with friends that she was raised on beans and cornbread and swore she'd never eat it again once she left home, though she ended up cooking it until she stopped cooking altogether. Pernie famously flunked algebra and never finished high school. At 16, she married and started her family. Later, she married the love of her life, Mason Boyles, and together they raised a blended family of children, grandchildren, and many cherished friends. Family life was filled with countless hours spent in the boat at the lake, moments in the kitchen playing cards, and sharing funny jokes. Her love for her kids and grandkids was immeasurable, and they were her everything to ''Nanny and Andaddy''.

After Mason's sudden passing in 1980, Pernie turned her grief into motivation and opened Kid's Stuff, a children's clothing store, in 1982 at Holiday Plaza Mall. The store remained open until 2008, and Pernie became a successful business woman at a time when that was a rare achievement for women. Kids Stuff was not just a store; it was a testament to Pernie's entrepreneurial spirit, a place where many memories were made, friendships formed, and grandkids were supposed to be playing at the kids' table, but were instead hiding in the clothing racks, playing in the dressing rooms, and having fun with the cash register.

Pernie was full of surprises. She judged Memphis in May BBQ competitions, square danced, and pinched pennies like no one else. She loved deeply and was fiercely loyal to those she cared about. In 1997, she proudly attended Bill Clinton's second inauguration, a moment she always cherished and displayed the invitation in her living room. She was a lifelong Democrat who believed in treating your neighbor like your own and wanted the world to be a better place for future generations. She was a ''know Better, do better'' woman until the end.

Though Nanny wasn't particularly fond of animals, she formed a special bond with her German Shepard, Luke, with whom she shared an inseparable connection. The irony of this to her family hilarious- Nanny, who wouldn't touch an animal her whole life, gained a large furry companion. Pernie also had a lifelong love for Days of Our Lives and when it left cable TV, she immediately signed up for Peacock subscription so she wouldn't miss an episode. No matter what was going on, Nanny always made time for Days.

After retiring, Pernie devoted herself to her family. She became an avid reader, often trading books with with her daughters, Denise and Sherri. She also made time for her favorite TV shows and her grandchildren, taking her youngest grandkids and great-grandkids on trips during their summer breaks. Her home was a constant hub of activity, with kids and grandkids always coming and going. Her love and care for her family were unwavering, and she will be deeply missed.
Pernie prayed every night and loved Jesus through the good and the bad. Now that she is in Heaven, reunited with her husband, Mason. She will continue to watch over her loved ones as a guardian angel, reminding them constantly to be the people she raised them to be.

Pernie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard ''Red'' Hodge and Jewel Pernie Bohannon; her husband, Dunavant Mason Boyles; her son-in-law, Douglas Britton; her nephew, Junie McClelland.

She is survived by her children, Denise Britton of West Memphis, AR, Vic Butler (Susan Burns) West Memphis, AR , Sherri Curtis (Phil) Fort Smith, AR. and Tracy Butler of West Memphis, AR. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Don Hickman, Dave Hickman, Zachary Cordell (Katie), Sean Curtis, Elijah Butler, and Victoria Butler, her great-grandchildren: Alexandra Thomas (Caleb), Ashtan Sieber (Casey), Beckett Cordell, Jane Cordell, Andrew Cordell, Eleanor Hickman and Maggie Cordell; her three great-great-grandsons Britton, Baylor, and Mason; and her sister, Patsy McClelland Mitchell.

"Grief is the price we pay for love" - Queen Elizabeth II

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com