Anthony Dewayne Boykins was born to Reatha Boykins-Smith on February 8, 1969 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He transitioned from this life into eternal rest on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
At an early age, Anthony accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Sharon Baptist Church in New Brunswick. There, he attended Sunday School and sang in the children's choir.
Anthony was educated in the Franklin Township Public School System from primary school to high school where he would graduate with the class of 1987. Big personality, big smile, infectious laugh, fun loving spirit, is the Anthony we all knew and loved. He cherished his family and friends and interacted with people of all walks of life. He would always encourage you to challenge yourself and move outside of your comfort zone. Anthony knew A LOT of people. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and if he could not meet their need, he knew someone who could. He loved cooking, music and was very creative. He also loved playing basketball and football, and working at the barbershop, chopping it up with the fellas, engaging and analyzing in deep conversations about life, politics, and world events.
With a passion for the history of the Kentucky Derby and African American Jockeys of the 19th century, Anthony founded Cultural Expressions. His mission: to honor, educate and introduce the world to the legacy of the greatest athletes of their time, The Black Jockey; also, to share and preserve the stories of the black jockeys at the heart of the thoroughbred industry. Oral presentations and the launching of his sports apparel clothing line aptly named 2minutes 2glory The Black Jockey collection soon followed.
Anthony would meet his future wife Kiesha Pitts in high school, and they married in November of 1997. Out of this 24-year union, three children were born; Zaniyah Skye, Leah Marie, and Bryce Anthony. He was a loving husband and dedicated father, always very active in their lives. They were his heart and he loved them dearly.
Left to cherish his life and precious memories are his wife Kiesha Boykins, three children Zaniyah, Leah, and Bryce. His mother Reatha Boykins-Smith (NJ), sister Heather Taliaferro (NJ), one niece Samirah and two nephews Justin and CJ. Three aunts Ruby Floyd (Al), Creola Locke (NJ), Eva McGhee (Albert) (Al), In-laws Willie and Joan Pitts (Fl), sister- in- law Lisa Pitts (CA), brother- in- law Randy Pitts (Fl) and a host of extended family and friends.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Anthony D Boykins, please visit our floral store.