Mr. Jesse Frank Boone Sr., business owner and retired Norfolk & Western Worker, departed this life Monday, May 3, 2004, in Obici Hospital.

Born on Nov. 11, 1922, he was a son of the late William Jesse and Chessie Faulk Boone.

A native of Nansemond County (now the City of Suffolk), Mr. Boone attended the public schools of Suffolk. Jesse and his wife, Dorothy, opened a grocery business in 1952 and have been very successful until the present. Jesse was always an astute businessman. He would constantly advise one never to buy anything on credit if the product being purchased would not stand for itself.

He was a faithful member of Mount Ararat Christian Church in Suffolk where he served on the Trustee Board and was a member of the Missionary Society.

Jesse leaves to cherish his life a devoted wife of 54 years, Mrs. Dorothy Howell Boone; one son, Jesse Frank Boone Jr. of Suffolk; two daughters, Ms Vanessa Boone Savage and Ms. Beverly Ann Copeland, both of Suffolk; two brothers, Mr. Walter Boone (Thelma) of Suffolk and Mr. Alton Boone (Francine) of Nicholsville, Ky.; three sisters, Mrs. Alene Boone Williams of the Bronx, N.Y.; and Mrs. Marion Boone Barnes and Mrs. Marilyn Boone West, both of Suffolk; three brothers-in-law, Mr. Elijah T. Howell (Dora), of Suffolk; Mr. Abraham L. Howell of Hampton; and Mr. Algie T. Howell Jr., (Leeser) of Norfolk; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ocie Howell Caldwell of Queens, N.Y., and Mrs. Dora Howell Pruden of Gates, N.C.; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other loved ones and friends.

He also leaves three loyal friends, Deacon Joseph Hall, Mr. William White and Mr. Alfred Copeland, all of Suffolk.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Mount Ararat Christian Church, 1860 Airport Road, with Dr. Harvey Murrill, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Lauder Skeeter Cemetery, Suffolk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the building fund at Mount Ararat Christian Church.

Family and friends will be received at 300A Lummis Road.

Services entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home.