Johnnie May Boone

Johnnie was an outstanding educator in the Austin Public Schools. She taught second grade at Zilker Elementary School for 10 years, she was Primary Supervisor for the Division of Instruction for 13 years. In her role as supervisor, she was instrumental in getting legislation passed for free public school Kindergarten for the state of Texas and was involved in creating and implementing the kindergarten Program for Austin ISD. She was principal of Sunset Valley Elementary for 6 years. There is a wing at Sunset Valley named in her honor. In 1986, Boone Elementary School was named in her honor along with her husband George.

She was a beautiful, intelligent, kind, generous, lady who never met a stranger. She was always positive and modeled the "Golden Rule." She was a leader, believed the best about people and had a great sense of humor. She loved and cherished her family and enjoyed creating a beautiful home and yard. Johnnie was an excellent seamstress and created beautiful clothes for her daughters. She always excelled in everything she wanted to do!

She was born in Comanche, Texas, January 5, 1924. Her parents were Earl and Mary Lou May. She is a sixth generation Texan and a descendent of Martin Allen who was among the "Old Three Hundred" who came to Texas in 1821 with Stephen F. Austin.

She grew up in Comanche and graduated as valedictorian of Comanche High School in 1940. She graduated with honors from North Texas State Teachers College in Denton in 1944 and earned a Masters of Education from the University at Texas at Austin in 1965.

She married George Boone in 1944 and they spent their lives as educators. They believed education made a positive difference in the lives of children and their example provided a strong model for their two daughters, Dorris and Mary Lou, who were also educators.

During the early years of her career she taught nursery school, kindergarten and second grade in San Antonio, Fort Worth, Alice. She and George worked for the Austin Public Schools until they retired in 1984.

After retirement, she and George traveled throughout the US and the world. Her favorite trip was going around the world on the QE2. She continued to travel with her family after George's death. She was lonely after George's death and moved to Westminster Manor where she enjoyed her many friends and great activities.

Johnnie was honored as Administrator of the Year by the Austin Association of Teachers. She was President of Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha State Program Chair, President of Austin Association of Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, President ESC XIII Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, President of the Westminster Residents' Association. She was a member of University Baptist Church for 66 years and served in a variety of ways. She was a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Austin Woman's Club, Tuesday Book Review Club, Austin Association of Retired Teachers.

She was predeceased by her husband George Boone, daughter, Dorris Boone, parents Earl and Mary Lou May, brother, Wayne May, nephew, Lanny May. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lou Clayton and husband Archie, grandchildren, Neal Sutherland, Mary Elizabeth Clayton, Travis Kenney and wife, Gina, Mary Kathryn Strong and husband, Trey, great grand children, Patrick and Sarah Kenney, Evelyn and Jack Strong, nieces Janet May Johnson, Diane Boone Taylor, nephews, Danny May and John May, sister in law, Betty May, cousins, Nina May Foster, Dale Isham and Janice McCullough and many other cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to the Johnnie Boone Memorial Fund, care of Boone Elementary School, 8101 Croftwood Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at University Baptist Church, 2130 Guadalupe Street. A private family burial will be held.