John Russell Boone Jr.

John Russell Boone, Jr. was born to John Russell Boone, Sr. and Mazie Marie Porter Boone on September 19, 1970, in Rich Square, North Carolina. Shortly after his birth, the proud parents moved with their bouncing baby boy to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where John Jr. would spend his childhood. At an early age, John Jr. was baptized at Nebo Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, North Carolina along with his Aunts Rita and Anita, as a youth they joined the Society for Helping Church for the Deaf and Hearing, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and sang in the choir. Growing up in the West Oak Lane section of Philly, John Jr. developed a fondness for cheesesteaks, hoagies, and was a die-hard fan of the Eagles and 76ers. He graduated from North East High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1988. He subsequently made the brave decision to serve his country by joining the United States Navy and eventually served in Desert Storm. During his six and a half years of military service, he earned the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy “E” Ribbon, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2). While in the Navy he also met the love of his life, Mary Harris. They married on January 27, 1993, and were blessed with two sons, Shaquille (26), and Jonathan (18). John Jr. was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1995. He worked for the Rubber Company in Portland, Oregon for several years. Eventually, he moved his family moved to Waldorf, Maryland. John Jr. had a passion for protecting and serving, not only his loved ones, like his beloved “mama,” but also his community. His parents had instilled a strong work ethic in him, which was obvious to his employers, co-workers, and fellow sailors. For over ten years he worked as a United States Special Police Officer for the National Gallery of Arts in Washington, D.C. Most recently, John Jr. provided security at the Centre at Forestville Mall in Maryland. He has been described by customers as attentive, focused, pleasant, and courteous. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him personally knew of his kindness, strength, and generosity. In his spare time, he enjoyed his cigars, and he also loved working out. He often took walks, and sometimes went walking with his niece, Ciani, and his sister, Denise (Nisee). John Jr. and Denise loved to laugh together, but they also had their typical sibling squabbles. John Jr. (affectionately known as “Lil’ John” by his immediate and extended family) was known for telling folks what he was “fittin” to do. His jovial personality and warm spirit will always be remembered and cherished. John Jr. transitioned peacefully from his earthly home to his eternal rest on Monday, June 10, 2019. He was blessed to be able to see his youngest son, Jonathan graduate days before he passed. Treasuring his memory are his parents, John Sr. and Mazie; the love of his life, Mary; his sons Shaquille and Jonathan; his sister Denise; his nieces Ciera and Ciani; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on for years to come.

Tributes

John Russell Boone Jr.

September 19, 1970 - June 10, 2019