Connie Boykin

Connie was in my division in high school. She was always smiling, laughing, and joking. When Mark brought his keyboard, Division 534 turned into something spectacular. He'd play the Charlie Brown theme, and Connie would do the Pig Pen dance...or she and Marshall would take turns singing Prince songs. She helped make division the best 15 minutes of the day!

The rays of sunshine she brought will be missed dearly. Rest in paradise, young lady.

My name is Mike Fusco, and I am very close with Connie's son Justin. Our friendship dates back over 15 years, so I am willing to say its more akin to a brotherhood. 

I had only met Connie a handful of times, but the last time I saw her is the one that sticks out the most to me.

It was in 2006 and she was visiting the boys in Phoenix, and it was during the Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and the Timberwolves. Justin took myself and a group of our friends to see her at her hotel, and we watched the game which went into like double or triple overtime, or something ridiuclous like that. We spent much of the game talking about our plans for life, as me and Justin were both about to finish High School. Connie was very wise, and not at all shy about sharing her wisdom with Justin or his friends. I saw a lot of her mannerisms in her sons, and I don't think I ever saw Justin quite so at ease as I did that day. We laughed through the entire game, all 3 and a half hours of it.

I love Roscoe, Justin, and Jarrett as if they were my own blood. I hope that they are able to take solace in the idea that no matter where they are or what they are doing, that Connie will be watching over them. Her, Roscoe, and Karen did good with all those boys. I believe that she can rest knowing that her legacy of love and compassion will be carried on...and at the end of the day, I think she would be just fine with that. 
 
The Italians have a saying, "Ad ogni uccello il proprio nido è bello", which means "The bird loves her own nest." No bird loved her own nest like Connie did.

RIP Ma'am 

The words are hard to come by as I grapple with this. Connie was loved by everyone, for good reason. Her smile, her encouraging words, her laugh...I love you and miss you, my sister. RIH.