Lana
Beth
Boyd
Few people breathe into this world to find it small. The vastness they need to dwell in utter sunbursts, to ride a raindrop, to convene among stars is earthbound. Lana resided within that purity, that place a little closer to the outskirts of The Promised Land. There, possibilities are boundless. When we arrive in this world, it is called the day we're born. When we leave this world, it is the date of our passing. In between these days, there is a dash. That dash represents your life. Our baby had a big dash.
Our star-child travelled twice to Europe through People to People. Lana spoke with nuns at the Vatican. Impressed because the nuns personally helped her find a souvenir, she remarked, "They were so nice." When she witnessed the Crown Jewels, "They were elaborate, but Queen Elizabeth's crown was unbelievable." In the Italian countryside, she savored squid ink pasta and was thrilled when "the grandmother, who'd made the meal, ran her hands through my hair and kept saying, 'Bella, Bella,' she was so fun."
College was a far journey across the map. A near $300,000 scholarship offered by Juniata College buoyed Lana to Huntington, Pennsylvania. Our star-child performed in three plays, one had her speaking effortlessly 400-plus syllables of Shakespeare in a modified version of Julius Caesar in which she played the Emperor of Rome. Her senior year, she wrote, produced, and starred in "The Water Bearer" held at the Susan von Liebig Center for Performing Arts. The original writing was based on a very vivid dream from which Lana had to wake immediately to write it down. In the playbill, Lana wrote, "The Water Bearer is about a young, emerging individual who craves self-expression in a society that enforces rules and regulations. The characters, through the support of their friends, their inner strengths, and their healthy curiosities, are able to overcome the boundaries of expectations. They make a difference, not only for themselves, but for all members of society."
As evident, she had a big imagination that was fed early by her experiences at Panhandle High School within Mrs. O's theater classes. Lana adored Mrs. O. She'd come home most days laughing about something funny she'd said. Lana performed in three plays during high school, and her greatest moment occurred when her cast advanced to the regional competition in her junior year with Madam Defarge, a fictional character in The Tale of Two Cities.
Lana's greatest inspiration came at Juniata College when she entered Dr. Donna Weimer's classes. Lana idolized "Donna," often she described with passionate admiration Donna's words and how she arranged them. Lana constantly marveled at the eloquence of Donna's public speaking ability. "Momma, no one is like Donna, she's the smartest person I have ever known. I love her so much!" Juniata was home for Lana, a place to thrive in a backdrop of rolling hills and early American architecture. Her best friend Abby was a steady comfort when 1,460 miles prevented an easy trip home. In 2020, amid that lovely scenery and distinguished people, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with Media Arts.
Older sisters, Becca and Callie, adored her, though Lana consistently told them she'd really wanted a brother. Hopefully, she got a little of that wish through Tim and Kaleb, Becca and Callie's loves, respectively. Most precious was first nephew Case Lane Hale, or "Herbie," as Lana called him. He was her shining light. Tim and Becca have said Lana and Herbie communicated in their own language, perhaps only possible through the freshness of Heaven in both. "Herbie," and older brother Caden were so guarded by their nicknamed aunt, "Uncle Lenny," that babysitting in Killeen became a steady occurrence, when Lana moved to Austin in 2022 to pursue her acting career.
Summers, Spring Breaks and special days were spent with Meme and Papa, James and Lynn Boyd, and G-Momma and Poppy, Tommy and Harriett Watson. We believe, with solid faith, Papa and G are showing Lana streets of gold, and pearls have always been her favorite. There are many of us yet to join them, Lana's uncles and aunts, Corey and Lisa Boyd, Damon Boyd, Chad and Sharon Watson, Richard and Angie Fay Dry, and Lee and Julie Jenkins. Among them, with unfettered bias, Uncle Lee and Aunt Angie were her favorites. There are many cousins who were her best friends--Brady, K'lee and Eric, Ansley and Mike, Ty and Maddy. Then there are the young ones whom Lana held and cherished, Lynzee, Lake, Addy and Ally.
When we were all given Lana, we got someone unique in this world. She stood out in a crowd with her curly red hair. It gleamed the Scottish blood she heralded, which when researched and confirmed, traced her centuries back to Mary, Queen of Scots. Additionally, she proudly celebrated the Irish that shone in her ivory skin and freckled nose. These distinctions only spotlighted a greater, ethereal personality. Lana lived in books and movies. She read and watched thousands of them, while consuming backstories on most. Lana was the go-to for selection of indulgences. Great make-up made her giddy, and the collection of lipstick, eye shadow, blush and mascara would boggle the first-time onlooker. She simply had elaborate taste with a penchant for finer details.
Our fairytale child clapped her hands when she was presented with a well-prepared meal, and room service in a gorgeous hotel was indicative of how she wanted to live daily life. Our dreamer was a creator and lover. She was particularly intrigued by those discoveries that fell out of the mainstream, yet true to her young heart, she eventually led herself back to The Magic Kingdom.
Lana always knew exactly what she wanted, but what elevated her stature most was how she treated people. No matter what anyone wanted to do or be Lana met each there. When meanness crossed her path, she couldn't reciprocate, moreover, she never understood it.
Lana was an Aquarius, The Water Bearer. She deeply connected to humanitarian aspect of sign's job: sweep away the past, clear away the stagnant thinking that's holding others back so they can make room for what's next.
We, Dusty and D'Ann Boyd, are SO proud of her. She exceeded our wishes and had more courage than any of us will ever know.