Jo Ann Allen Boyce Civil Rights Pioneer and Grandmother of Cameron Boyce Dies at 84
The grandmother of Cameron Boyce, activist Jo Ann Allen Boyce, has passed away at the age of 84 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday, December 6, that Jo Ann died at her residence in California on December 3, surrounded by her family.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision in Brown v. The Board of Education, the activist was among the first students to attend an integrated public high school in the South. The Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton, Tennessee, features sculptures honoring Jo Ann and eleven of her peers.
“With profound sadness, we inform you that our friend Jo Ann Allen Boyce passed away yesterday,” the center announced on December 4 via Facebook. “We have lost such a compassionate and modest individual. Jo Ann readily shared her personal story with audiences throughout the nation. A few years ago, I visited Wisconsin with her, where she recounted her experiences to student groups and general citizens.”
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The post added: “Those who encountered her were deeply impressed by and thankful for her benevolence. One student was so moved by her narrative that they shed tears upon meeting her, prompting Jo Ann to offer a comforting embrace. Jo Ann was an inspiration to everyone she encountered. Today is difficult for all of us who knew her. We extend our condolences and support to the Boyce family.”
Jo Ann’s passing occurs six years after Cameron’s death at age 20, which resulted from an epileptic seizure. (Boyce had a prior epilepsy diagnosis, and his cause of death was identified as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.)
A family representative told Us Weekly at the time of Cameron's death: “We are reporting with a deeply heavy heart that we lost Cameron this morning.” The statement continued: “He died in his sleep from a seizure caused by a persistent medical issue he was undergoing treatment for. The world has undeniably lost one of its most luminous individuals, yet his essence will endure through the generosity and empathy of those who knew and cherished him.”
The family spokesperson added: “We are completely devastated and request privacy during this incredibly hard time as we mourn the loss of our beloved son and brother.”
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Jo Ann, personally, offered her own tribute to the Disney Channel actor shortly after his passing.
Speaking to ABC’s Tennessee affiliate WATE, she stated: “His character, his compassionate and generous spirit. That is his lasting impact. In addition to his talent. It was extraordinary for him to participate in that and convey it to his young audience. To highlight that his grandmother was involved in something that he felt was building upon my efforts to improve the world, that was truly remarkable.”
She added, “He is a star. However, he is a different kind of star. He is a brilliant light in the heavens. We are appreciative of everyone sending us the affection and encouragement we require at this time. Thank you.”
