Constance “Crickett” Boyea Iley

Constance “Crickett” Boyea Iley, lover of family, friends, and all things of goodness, died on Sept. 19, 2014. Born in Hanford, Calif. on Sept. 21, 1952 to Dr. Lyle Boyea and Lucy Allen Boyea, Crickett moved often due to her father’s medical career, but loved the fact that she got to experience living in various parts of the country including California, Minnesota and West Virginia. She finally settled in Texas after graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in Austin and earning her BA in Journalism and Kinesiology from Southwest Texas State University. It was during these years that her pen name of Crickett became her most frequently used nickname.

Teaching at Kirby Middle School, she met and married Thomas Wesley Iley, III in 1977 and settled in San Antonio. They moved to the Iley ranch in early 1981 so he could use his civil engineering training in the family businesses. Although living 15 miles out in the country at that time, Crickett quickly became an active participant in the George West community.

Crickett had a life-long love affair with people and “their stories.” As such an active listener, she quickly became a devoted and admired participant in her church as teacher, youth leader, and mission trip sponsor. Putting her degree to work, Crickett opened an exercise studio with Vicki Riser called Firm Intentions. In addition, over the years she became involved with the 20^th Century Club, Relay for Life (Honorary Chairperson), Emmaus Windmill Community, George West Chamber of Commerce, Cystic Fibrosis Volunteers, Story Fest, 4H Club, Girl Scouts and George West High School Band Boosters.

Crickett was blessed all her life with dear friendships and loving family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years Tom Iley and her father Dr. Lyle Boyea. She is survived by her children Megan Iley Drennon and her husband Tim, Marib Boyea Iley, Hannah Boyea Iley, and Thomas Wesley Iley, IV. Also surviving is her mother Lucy Boyea; mother-in-law Gertie Iley and step-mother Linda Boyea; sister Elizabeth Boyea Mai and her husband Daryl; brother Lyle Boyea and wife Diane; sister-in-law Sharon Iley Smith and her husband David; brother-in-law Dennis Iley and wife Beck; grandchildren Kennedy Beth and Lleyton Drennon; several nieces and nephews and countless extended family and dear friends. It speaks of her heart that she loved and was loved by so many.

Crickett enjoyed life and had an unforgettable smile that lit up a room. She was a consummate cheerleader whether it was for a child in sports or a community program launch. God and her family were the center of her universe. She departed this life with grace, leaving a legacy of courage and determination. She will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25 at First Baptist Church in George West with Rev. Bruce Irving officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Live Oak County Public Library.