Willie R. Boone was born February 10, 1930 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Willie and Lillie Boone. Bishop Willie R. Boone of New Haven was called home on January 6, 2010 at the age of 79. On a sunny warm day in July of 1949, Willie Boone married the love of his life Dorothy Jefferson. Their harmonious union was celebrated with five children: Willie Moses, Daniel, Diane, Carolyn and Phillip. Bishop Boone was educated in the Virginia school system; he eventually earned a Masters degree and Doctorate of Theology from Liberty University. Bishop Boone was baptized early at Shiloh Baptist Church in Boykins, Virginia. In 1956, Willie renewed his vows with the lord and was called into the ministry at the Church of God of Prophecy. Bishop Boone began his ascent from minister to evangelist to pastor to District Overseer and finally to Regional Overseer of Southern New England. After retiring in 1996, Bishop Boone devoted his time as Senior Pastor to the Cathedral of Higher Praise. In addition to pastoring, he enjoyed volunteering his services and experience wherever he was needed for the Greater New Haven community and was a vital source to the Christian Community Council. If you asked him, one of his greatest accomplishments was spending time in jail with the Rev. Jessie Jackson as they protested and rallied against mighty Yale University for greater security and better working conditions for union employees. Bishop Boone fought many battles in recent years surrounding his health but lost his battle with cancer after a courageous and valiant battle on Tuesday 6th of January 2010. He is survived by his wife of sixty years Dorothy, his sons Willie Moses Boone, Daniel Boone, Phillip Boone and his wife Deborah, daughters Diane Leake and Carolyn and Harry Spann, his sole surviving sibling Ramona Evans, 13 grand children, 6 great grand children and a host of relatives and friends. Bishop Boone’s epitaph would be, “Let the life I led speak for me.” A celebration of Bishop Boone’s life and home going will take place on Tuesday, January 12th at the Cathedral of Higher Praise; 155 Grand Ave. Bishop Boone’s remains will lie in state and can be viewed from 12 pm until 5pm. A wake will be from 5pm until 7PM. The Funeral Service will begin promptly at 7PM. The family has elected to have the Interment take place in Evergreen Cemetery on Ella Grasso Blvd, on Wednesday morning at 11 am. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street New Haven Ct. 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Boone family, please visit: www.hkhfuneralservices.com
Bishop, you are gone but will not be forgotton. You did alot for us at Grand Ave. I will never forget you Bishop you will always be remembered and Pastor Boone and the family, remember we here in GA are praying that God will give you all strength in time of grief.