Mrs. Ruth Naomi Boone

BOONE, Mrs. Ruth N. - Age 93, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025. Mrs. Boone will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 1:00 PM-7:30 PM Thursday, September 18, 2025, with family present from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM to receive friends. There will be a private family graveside service. Ruth Naomi Boone was born on August 30, 1932, in Kingstree, South Carolina, to Rev. Dr. W.D.C. McClary and Marguerite C. (McCray) McClary. The eldest of three children, Ruth spent her early years deeply connected to the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, where her father served as pastor. Influenced by her parents, both dedicated educators, she developed a love for reading and learning at a young age. Ruth graduated from Whittemore High School in Conway, South Carolina. Immediately following her graduation, she continued her education at Allen University, a Historically Black A.M.E. College. Ruth studied Elementary education with a concentration on reading. After graduating, she resumed her teaching career in Georgetown, South Carolina, where she taught a class of 40 2nd graders! Ruth taught in Georgetown for two years before her colleagues encouraged her to move north where better teaching opportunities awaited. To prepare for “teaching in the north,” she enrolled at Michigan State University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Equipped with this new knowledge, Ruth interviewed for a position with Flint Community Schools. She began her Flint career teaching at Fairview and Roosevelt Elementary Schools; both located in the historic St. John neighborhood. Her passion for helping children learn to read allowed her to become a remedial reading teacher. Her expertise in teaching reading led to her becoming an Instructional Specialist in Reading and Humanities in the Flint Community Schools where she coached and assisted teachers and principals in the effective strategies to teach young people to read. Ruth retired from the Flint Community Schools after 34 1/2 years of exemplary service. While working in the schools, Ruth was introduced to Harold Boone by a colleague. In 1960, she and Harold were married, and together they raised three children. Ruth and Harold worked hard to educate their children and instill values of love, honesty and perseverance. Once Ruth relocated to Flint, she immediately became a member of Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she remained a devoted and active member for 60 years of her life, until her health kept her from doing so. She was a lifelong member of the Senior Choir and also served in many leadership roles, including Trustee, Class Leader, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Lay Reader, and active member of the Organized Lay Society. Ruth chaired and participated in numerous programs, events, and initiatives at the church, such as the Marriage Hall of Fame, the Brotherhood Black History Luncheon, and the Homeless Ministry. Ruth was gifted with a beautiful alto voice, she often sang solos and was frequently invited as a guest speaker at Vernon Chapel and other organizations throughout the city. Ruth was an active member of several organizations including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Zeta Beta Zeta Chapter. She served in several leadership roles in the sorority and was honored with awards and accolades including Zeta of the Year and Woman of the Year. Ruth was a member of Church Woman United and was honored as a Valiant Woman. Ruth remained active in the community until her health began to decline. She volunteered with the H.O.S.T.S. (Help One Student To Succeed) Program sponsored by Flint Community Schools; helped distribute food and clothing through her church’s Food Bank; and gave her time to a variety of schools and organizations, including St. Paul Lutheran School, International Academy of Flint, Powers Catholic High School, the Flint School of Performing Arts, and the Flint Institute of Music. Ruth left a legacy of love and learning to all who knew her. She instilled excellence and a sense of pride in all she said and did. Her lessons and words of wisdom will continue to live on in those she loved and leaves behind: Daughter and son-in-law, Amye and Dr. Ronald Warren; Son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Dr. Crecendra Boone; grandson, Ervin Isaiah; Granddaughter, Leah Ruth; Great grandchildren, Ahriah Audrey and Naiim Nathanial; Brother, Charles McClary; Nephew, Kurtis Gregg other family members; Members of Vernon Chapel A. M.E. Church, Sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorors and special friends who continued to pray and send cards to cheer her when she was ill. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Boone; daughter, Audrey Boone-Anthony; granddaughter, Naomi Christine Anthony; parents, Rev W.D.C.and Mrs. Marguerite McClary, and sister; Harriette Gregg. Special thanks are extended to Helping Hands Nursing Service, especially Ms. Kenya, Ms. Rita, Ms. Summer and Ms.Tish, as well as a special thanks to the McLaren Hospice team for their dedicated care and support.

Mrs. Ruth Naomi Boone

August 30, 1932 - September 13, 2025