Paulene Boyd was born on August 31, 1921 to the union of Andrew Higgs and Cora Higgs in New Arkansas, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, her eldest brother Herman Higgs and her twin brother Paul Higgs.

At an early age, Paulene and her family moved to East. St. Louis. She completed her education in East St. Louis School District 189. Early in life, she confessed a hope in Christ at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Paulene was a devoted member at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She served on several auxiliaries, and she worked very closely with the Sunday School Ministries.

Paulene met and married her soul mate for life Mr. Landis Boyd, whom also preceded her in death. To this union, four children were born Michael Boyd, James Boyd, Malinda Boyd and Loretta Boyd

Paulene departed this life on Thursday, March 2, 2017 in Caseyville, Illinois. Paulene leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren, LaDonna (Henry) Teverbaugh, Octavia Coates, Dawn Thomas-Bates and Jerrod Coates; eight great-grand children; one goddaughter, Faye Harrell; numerous other relatives and friends