Helen Warfield Boyer, Past President of the Maryland State Medical Auxiliary

Helen Warfield (Souder) Boyer, 95, lifelong resident of Damascus, Maryland, died peacefully of natural causes at her home on May 6, 2020.  

Born to Archie and Sallie Souder, Helen spent her childhood on the family farm. She graduated as valedictorian of the Damascus High School class of 1942, attending two years of college and a year of law school at the George Washington University. Financial circumstances caused her to leave school to work full-time for the only physicians in the Damascus area: her future husband, Dr. M. McKendree Boyer, and his father, Dr. George M. Boyer.

Despite having no formal training in the medical field, Helen became an integral part of the Boyer practice. She assisted with a wide range of clinical functions and eventually managed all business aspects of the practice. Helen and her husband also undertook construction of the Boyer Medical Building in 1964; she significantly expanded the building in 1992 and continued its management until 2012.

Throughout her husband’s life and after his death, Helen devoted her time, energy, and financial resources to the medical community. She served as President of the Montgomery General Hospital (now MedStar Montgomery) Women’s Board, President of the Montgomery County Medical Auxiliary, and President of the Maryland State Medical Auxiliary. Her husband was president of MedChi from 1963-1964.

Mrs. Boyer was also active in the Southern Medical Auxiliary and helped establish medical auxiliary organizations in other counties throughout Maryland. She was the first female and first non-physician chairperson of the Maryland Medical Political Action Committee. In 2011, she was recognized by MedStar Montgomery with the Face of Philanthropy Award for her dedication to and support of the hospital.

Mrs. Boyer was also active in a variety of other organizations. She was the first female Director of the Bank of Damascus, the first female member of the Damascus Lions Club, a lifelong member and supporter of the Damascus United Methodist Church, and a member of local travel and investment clubs. She loved to dance and enthusiastically supported local sports teams.

Mrs. Boyer was always happier putting others before herself, and she will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, wisdom, strength, and quick wit. She was an inspiring woman who will be deeply missed.

Mrs. Boyer is survived by her three children, Sally Boyer Smith (Randy), Dr. George M. Boyer, (Alicia), and McKendree W. Boyer (Mary). Dr. Boyer is a MedChi member and is the Chair of the Department of Medicine at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. 

Please find the biography of her husband, Dr. M. McKendree Boyer, a past president of MedChi, here.