Remembering Jo Ann Allen Boyce: A Trailblazer in School Integration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jo Ann Allen Boyce, a pivotal member of the "Clinton 12" who played a significant role in the integration of Clinton High School, passed away on Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles. She was 84 years old.

Her daughter, Kamlyn Young, confirmed that Boyce died from pancreatic cancer after a decade-long battle with the disease.

Clinton High School was integrated in 1956, following the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Unlike the Little Rock Nine, the students of the Clinton 12 were not chosen for this historical task but were simply local residents of the Anderson County school district.

At just 14 years old, Boyce was eager to attend the previously all-white high school, having previously commuted to a segregated school in Knoxville. Her excitement was palpable as she considered what to wear and how to style her hair for this new chapter in her life.

However, the integration was met with fierce opposition from many in the local white community, leading to violent protests and the intervention of the National Guard to maintain order.

Boyce recounted her experiences during those tumultuous days. The initial calm of their first school day quickly turned to fear as protests grew more intense. She vividly remembered feeling overwhelmed by the hostility directed at her and her peers.

Despite the challenges, Boyce thrived academically, even being elected vice president of her homeroom. But the negativity was hard to ignore, with students facing harassment and discrimination inside the school.

After high school, Boyce enjoyed a brief stint as a member of a singing group, followed by a long career as a pediatric nurse. She dedicated much of her life to sharing her integration story, emphasizing the importance of love and understanding over hate. In 2019, she co-authored a children's book titled "This Promise of Change," reflecting on her experiences.

Though her family initially supported her integration journey, the rising violence prompted them to leave Clinton for Los Angeles in December 1956. Ultimately, only two members of the Clinton 12 graduated from the school.

Boyce expressed a deep connection to her roots, stating that she did not want to leave Clinton, believing her actions were essential. Her resilience and optimistic outlook were evident throughout her life, even in the face of adversity.

In later years, many who had been unkind to her during high school reached out to apologize, and she always sought to forgive them. Boyce fondly recalled her childhood in Clinton, highlighting her involvement in community activities and her family's musical talents.

Jo Ann Allen Boyce is survived by her sister, Mamie Hubbard, three children, and three grandchildren. Her grandson, Cameron Boyce, was a well-known actor who tragically passed away in 2019.