Eris Ann Bolyard

Eris Ann Bolyard, well known as “Mimi” 79, died peacefully in her home on September 24, 2019, surrounded by her children and family. She was born on January 31, 1940, in Fellowsville WV, in the home of her parents, Howard Wesley Bolyard, and Wilma Etta (Rutherford) Bolyard.

Eris graduated from Fellowsville WV, Class of 1957, where she met the love of her life, Dorsie Emmit Bolyard, well known as “Papal”, and settled in Morgantown, WV and were married for 54 years.

Mimi, worked as a waitress in a diner and the Morgantown Shirt factory when they first moved to Morgantown, then became a homemaker in the home they built. While a homemaker, Mimi became an avid artist in the world of ceramics where she cleaned, fired and finished ceramic items with a specific talent to complete the artistic rendition of drawing and painting eyes to lifelike precision. All the while she operated an in-home daycare and effectively raised countless numbers of children who still visit and call her Mimi. She gave unselfishly to her family and friends and had a true Mothers love for her children. Mimi had the talent of decorating for all holidays to storefront perfection and spent countless hours feeding and observing her birds and fish. She also enjoyed family camping with her children and grandchildren. Mimi also had a strong religious conviction and was a member of the Halleck Church.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dorsie Emmit Bolyard, and a brother Emerson Bolyard and his wife Blinda. Surviving are three children. daughter Janice Cunningham and husband Brad of Bruceton Mills, son Jeff Bolyard and wife Penney of Morgantown, and daughter Julie Helms and husband Chip of Independence. Also, surviving are her brothers, Leslie Bolyard of Independence, Colin Bolyard and wife Linda of Fellowsville, Roger Bolyard and wife Carole of Thornton, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

A gathering of remembrance will be held at the Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home on Thursday, September 26, 2019, from 3 pm until 7 pm and again on Friday from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am with Pastor Marshall Woods officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Mt. Zion UMC Cemetery, Marquess, WV.