Who Is Isis Rae Boykin? Everything to Know About Big Black’s Only Child

Isis Rae Boykin is the daughter of the late MTV reality star Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, best known for his appearance on the popular television show Rob & Big. She was born in February 2008 in the United States, during a time when her father was at the height of his fame. Despite her father’s celebrity status, Isis’s childhood was filled with love, peace, and privacy, thanks to the efforts of her parents to give her a normal upbringing.

Over the years, she has become known for her quiet strength and resilience, especially after losing her father at such a young age. Her story is one that touches the hearts of many who remember Big Black and admire the way his daughter has grown up gracefully, carrying forward his legacy with dignity and love.

Early Life and Family Background

Isis Rae Boykin was born into a loving and close-knit family. Her father, Christopher Boykin, was a well-known TV personality and entertainer who captured the hearts of millions through his humor and charm. Her mother, Shannon Turley, known as Shannon Boykin, preferred to live a private life away from the public eye. Together, they made sure that Isis was surrounded by warmth, care, and happiness.

Growing up, she was known to be polite, gentle, and creative, showing an early interest in art, drawing, and painting. Despite being the child of a celebrity, Isis’s parents were very intentional about protecting her privacy and giving her a normal childhood. Their home was filled with laughter, love, and family values that shaped her into the grounded young woman she is today.

Father – Christopher “Big Black” Boykin

Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, the father of Isis Rae Boykin, was born on January 13, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois. He gained nationwide fame as the co-star of the MTV reality show Rob & Big alongside professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek. Before becoming a television star, Christopher worked as a bodyguard. His natural charm, humor, and kindness made him one of the most beloved figures on MTV. Off-screen, he was a devoted father who loved his daughter more than anything else in the world.

He often shared moments from Isis’s early life on social media, including her school achievements and milestones. He had an estimated net worth of about $3 million at the time of his passing, which he likely used to secure his daughter’s future. Sadly, Christopher passed away on May 9, 2017, at the age of 45 due to heart failure. His death was a heartbreaking moment for his family and fans all over the world.

Mother – Shannon Boykin (Shannon Turley)

Isis Rae Boykin’s mother, Shannon Boykin, also known as Shannon Turley, is a caring and devoted woman who has always preferred to live outside the public eye. She was married to Christopher Boykin and together they had one daughter, Isis. After Christopher’s passing in 2017, Shannon focused all her energy on raising Isis and providing her with a stable, loving home. She has been described as strong, calm, and nurturing, ensuring that her daughter could grow up away from the pressures of fame. Shannon rarely appears in the media and has made it her mission to keep Isis’s life private and peaceful.

Siblings

Isis Rae Boykin is an only child. She does not have any brothers or sisters. Being the only child of Christopher and Shannon Boykin, she shares a very close bond with her mother. After the passing of her father, this mother-daughter relationship became even stronger. Shannon has always been there to support Isis through every stage of her life, and the two continue to live a quiet and loving life together.

The Tragic Loss of Her Father

In May 2017, tragedy struck when Christopher “Big Black” Boykin passed away at the age of 45 due to heart failure. The news of his death shocked fans around the world, but the loss was felt most deeply by his daughter, Isis, who was only nine years old at the time. Losing a parent is one of the hardest experiences anyone can face, especially at such a young age.

The outpouring of love and condolences from fans and friends, including Rob Dyrdek, offered some comfort, but the void left behind was enormous. Despite the pain, Isis has shown remarkable emotional strength over the years. With the help of her mother, family, and close friends, she has managed to heal slowly and continue her journey with courage.

Life After Loss

After her father’s passing, Isis Rae Boykin’s life changed forever. While the world continued to remember Big Black for his humor and kindness, Isis and her mother focused on rebuilding their lives privately. Her mother made sure that Isis received emotional support and the space she needed to process her grief in a healthy way.

Art became an important outlet for Isis, allowing her to express her feelings through painting and drawing. These creative activities helped her stay connected to her father’s memory and gave her a way to find peace during tough times. Over the years, she has grown into a thoughtful and strong young woman who carries her father’s legacy in her heart every single day.

Education and Personal Growth

Education has always been an important part of Isis’s life. She began her studies at a Montessori school, known for encouraging creativity and independence in children. Her father was very proud of her early achievements and even shared her Montessori graduation on social media in 2015. As of 2025, Isis is seventeen years old and likely completing her high school education.

Her exact school and academic details remain private for safety and privacy reasons, but it is clear that she is focused on her studies. Those who know her describe her as curious, intelligent, and creative, with a love for art and learning. These traits suggest a bright future ahead, whether she chooses to pursue a career in the arts or any other field that inspires her.

Personality and Interests

Isis Rae Boykin has been described by friends and family as kind, calm, and creative. She enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time exploring her artistic side. Her zodiac sign, Pisces, is often associated with imagination, empathy, and emotional depth — traits that seem to describe her perfectly. Art has always been a part of her life, not just as a hobby but as a form of self-expression. Through creativity, she connects with her emotions and honors the memory of her father, who always encouraged her to explore her talents. Her gentle and thoughtful personality is a reflection of the loving home she was raised in.

Relationship with Rob Dyrdek

Rob Dyrdek, who was Christopher “Big Black” Boykin’s best friend and co-star on Rob & Big, shared a deep bond with Big Black that went far beyond television. When Christopher passed away, Rob expressed his heartbreak publicly, calling him a brother and saying that his life would never be the same without him. His tribute touched many fans and showed how much love and respect he had for his late friend. While there is no public record of Rob maintaining contact with Isis, it is clear that he continues to hold great affection for Big Black’s family. His emotional words after Big Black’s death showed the depth of their friendship and how much Big Black’s family meant to him.

Public Life and Privacy

Despite her connection to fame, Isis Rae Boykin has lived a very private life. Her mother has been careful to protect her from unnecessary media attention. There are no verified social media accounts belonging to Isis, and any profiles claiming to represent her are not authentic. She rarely appears in public or in media updates, and her family prefers it that way.

This privacy has allowed her to grow up in a more normal and peaceful environment. In a world where celebrity children often face constant public attention, Isis’s ability to stay grounded is admirable. She has focused on her education and personal growth instead of seeking fame, which shows maturity and strong values.

Financial Background

Isis Rae Boykin’s personal net worth is not publicly known since she is still a student and has not begun her professional career. However, her father, Christopher Boykin, had an estimated net worth of around $3 million at the time of his passing in 2017. It is believed that he made arrangements to ensure his daughter’s financial future was secure. These provisions likely help support her education and living needs today. While wealth may offer comfort, it is clear that Isis’s true strength and value come from her character and upbringing rather than material possessions.

Legacy of Her Father

The legacy of Christopher “Big Black” Boykin continues to live on through his daughter. Fans of Rob & Big still remember him as a kind-hearted, funny, and loyal man who brought laughter to millions of people. Through Isis, that legacy remains alive. Even though she lives privately, her life is a reflection of her father’s values — love, positivity, and authenticity. His joy, humor, and energy touched many people, and his daughter carries those same traits in her heart. Whenever fans remember Big Black, they also think of Isis, the daughter he loved so deeply and the person who now carries forward his memory.

Strength and Inspiration

Isis Rae Boykin’s story is a powerful reminder that strength can exist even in silence. She faced the unimaginable pain of losing her father at just nine years old, but continued to grow with grace and determination. Her quiet life shows that healing does not always happen in public view; sometimes, it happens slowly, surrounded by love and privacy. Her mother’s care and her own resilience have shaped her into a confident young woman with a bright future ahead. Many people find her story inspiring because it reminds us that even after great loss, life can still be beautiful and full of hope.

Conclusion