ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Andrenna “Drenna” Boyd, a Winthrop University student known for her joyful demeanor, optimism and dedication, sadly passed away on June 27 at only 34 years old.
Boyd, of Rock Hill, was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in Spanish. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which she joined while at Clemson University and was involved in the Rock Hill alumnae chapter. She also was a member of the Gamma Beta Phi national honor society, the Delta Alpha Phi international honor society for high-achieving students with disabilities and the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society. She also played cello with the Winthrop Symphony Orchestra.
Several faculty members recalled Boyd’s dedication to her studies and her kindness.
“Drenna was a terrific student in every way,” recalled Victoria Frost, Boyd’s advisor and associate professor of biology. “Enthusiastic and positive, her joyful demeanor was always impressive. She would come visit me often as we discussed her ambitions and goals, and I always looked forward to seeing her animated face pop around my office door. She was highly intelligent, a hard worker and always an optimist. Drenna was an absolute joy to be around, and her cheery spirit will be sadly missed.”
Adam Glover, associate professor of Spanish, said Boyd was an inspiration.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone with quite her combination of toughness, enthusiasm, dedication and kindness,” he said. “My heart goes out to Drenna’s family, who, I hope, know how much she meant to the Winthrop community.”
Elisa Koehler, professor of music, worked with Boyd through the Winthrop Symphony Orchestra.
“Drenna radiated joy when she played the cello,” Koehler said. “She loved being in the orchestra and would often wear Winthrop colors to rehearsals. Her dedication, infectious enthusiasm and cheerful spirit will be deeply missed.”
Julisa White ’12 had known Boyd since they were children. In an online tribute, she noted that she’s always admired Boyd’s strength, resilience and joyful spirit.
Visition will be held on Friday, July 5, from 5-7 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home, located at 534 Hampton Street in Rock Hill.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, July 6, at noon at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church at 1781 Dunlap Roddey Road in Rock Hill.
Her obituary will be available here.
