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
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12 Condolence(s)
Linda Fritz
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Tracy , my thoughts and prayers are with you dear friend. As you walk through this valley, always remember Jesus is there to carry you when you feel like you can't make one more step , He will carry you in His loving arms.
Diane Maxwell
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
One of my very dearest friends was put to rest today. My heart is broken. I worked for Pernie for 25 years at Kid Stuff in the Holiday Plaza Mall, & was her neighbor before that. She was such a special person. Very caring, &
treated her customer's, & myself with such a big heart. Her customer's were her friends. I always looked forward to working together with her on Saturday's. We would catch up on all the news in town. It was also a time for her kids, & grandkids to drop by for a visit with their "Nanny". She found great joy in taking them down to Walgreen's for a treat. "Go rest high on that mountain, dear Pernie, your work on earth is done."
Tami Tackett
Thursday, June 5, 2025
What a wonderful lady Pernie was. She was a true friend to all that knew her.
Cynthia Butler Northern
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Denise, Vic, Sherry and Tracy,
So sorry for your loss. Love to you dear cousins.
Cindy
Diane Maxwell
Thursday, June 5, 2025
One of my very dearest friends was put to rest today. My heart is broken. I worked for Pernie for 25 years at Kid Stuff in the Holiday Plaza Mall, & was her neighbor before that. She was such a special person. Very caring, &
treated her customer's, & myself with such a big heart. Her customer's were her friends. I always looked forward to working together with her on Saturday's. We would catch up on all the news in town. It was also a time for her kids, & grandkids to drop by for a visit with their "Nanny". She found great joy in taking them down to Walgreen's for a treat. "Go rest high on that mountain, dear Pernie, your work on earth is done."
Rachel French
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
To Pernie's family - I'm so sorry for your loss. I spent many Saturdays at Kid's Stuff. It was my go to spot to dress my daughter. I have many fond memories of Ms. Boyles. Prayers for you for the days to come.
Suzy Brown
Monday, June 2, 2025
I am praying for all! Heaven gained a fine lady! Loved her!
Sending my love, Suzy Brown
Mark smith
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Bernie and my mom were good friends at one time
I'm so sorry
Don and Chris Shoemake
Saturday, May 31, 2025
To Pernie's family. Don and I send our sympathy to her family. Don remembers Pernie being in his class in OHS, not graduating with the class, but after many years he discovered her store in the Mall. He visited with her when he would go to the used book store close by. While I attended Community Bible Study, I got to know Tracy. I would pick her up on Wednesdays when Tracy needed a ride. I hope all will be comforted by friends, family and by knowing Pernie is in her forever home. The scriptures are a source of words from our heavenly Father, take the time to read daily his word. Will be praying for all of you as you lay her to rest. Sincerely, Don and Chris Shoemake
Denise Hall
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Tracy ,So sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.Im glad I got to know your mom.Praying for you and your family during this time..Candie Childers and Denise Hall
Kay Hickman Smith & Larry Smith
Saturday, May 31, 2025
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Pernie was always kind and loved all her family and extended families and friends. May you find comfort within all your memories. We send our love.
With Sincere Sympathy
Kay
Carla McCollum Hicks
Saturday, May 31, 2025
You were always my constant for so many yrs. Although we didn't see each other for some yrs until this past Christmas we picked up right where we had left off. I can still hear your sweet voice saying but don't you tell anyone, and I never did. She love me and my daughter Jessica Stephens so much and even when J couldn't afford to buy some of the clothes in her store she would call me and say, come and see what I got in today and when I say she made sure Jess was dressed to the nines I mean it This continued til I had my 3rd daughter. She kept a poster of Jessica in her store that said. What Did You Bring Me until it closed and she gave it back. Pernie you will be so missed. I love you my angel.