Rosa Boone

Rosa W. Boone was born in Curryville Georgia on June 24, 1943, to David and Odie Bell Boone. She was the seventh of ten children. She grew up in a family filled with love and outstanding examples of the importance of hard work and achievement. She took those examples and catapulted herself into a life of boundless service to the less fortunate. Her ambition, drive, and genuine desire to learn, lead her to seek out a higher education. She was educated at The College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Gerontology. Her life’s work was to fight for the less fortunate in Westchester County, New York. She tackled all aspects of poverty with laser focused drive. She was the Executive Director for Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless, and later a Deputy Commissioner for the Westchester County Department of Social Services. She harnessed the power of these high-profile positions to help her to be a force in the eradication of poverty. She gave her blood, sweat and tears to the cause. She gave and gave and then she gave some more. She always extended herself for the good of others. She felt joy in the work she did because she was able to see a marked improvement in the lives of so many in need. When it came to those in need, she was always moved to action. She worked hard but she also played hard. She was a fantastic tennis player and an avid golfer. She was a ranked tennis player, and she was the recipient of numerous golf trophies. She had many dear friends that she spent time with, often going to Broadway plays and dinners that included excellent food, great laughs, and conversation of substance with a sprinkle of silliness. She was an original participant of The Westchester View; a local TV show consisting of a small group of women of varied backgrounds, discussing current events in Westchester County. She was the matriarch of this family. She always said, “with age comes wisdom.” She was wise and whether you wanted to hear it or not, she was always going to tell you what she thought. Everyone of us had a special and close relationship with her. She was the anchor that kept all of us grounded and stable. It didn’t matter what was going on, she was always the light in the family. She had a great sense of humor; she was quick and funny. She loved all of us deeply, but that love paled in comparison to the love she had for the Lord. She was a devout Christian and a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, in New Rochelle, New York. She happily supported the church with her consistent tithe and involvement in many outreach programs. She cultivated strong relationships with clergy from many Westchester County Churches, some of other denominations. Her love for the Lord and the church was endless. God guided her steps and Jesus was her mentor. She called the name of Jesus often. Whether she was on a rollercoaster at Sesame Place Amusement Park or getting happy as she was immersed in God’s word, she would call His name. Once you wipe your tears, you will be able to clearly see the impact that she had on you, the community, and her family. Remember the example of goodness, faith, and kindness that she displayed for all to see. Rosa W. Boone leaves many to cherish precious memories of her: Rodney Rooker (son), Andrea Rooker (daughter-in-law), Jordan Rooker (grandson), Bhavika Rooker (granddaughter-in-law), Jamal and Miles Rooker (great grandsons). Luis Morgan (husband for the last 14 years of her life). Four sisters: Marie Pickett, Shirley Curtis, Celia Clemons, and Jean Boone. Two brothers: Edward Boone and Dewey Boone. Brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Rosa Boone

June 24, 1943 - November 9, 2023