Obituary of George Edward Booker

Born on the soil of his ancestors in Powhatan, Virginia, George Edward Booker, the first-born child of Lawrence Booker & Beatrice Bell Booker, was nurtured during his earliest years in the home of his grandparents, Joel Pembrook Bell & Josephine Howell Bell. Moving to New York City at the age of 3 and then returning to Virginia in the summers, he was taught by his parents and grandparents to work with his hands, acquire new skills, and the importance of service to others and faithfulness to family and friends. Edward was blessed with five siblings: Mary, Vernell, Lawrence Gilbert, Ronald, and Anthony. As the first-born grandchild of JP and Josephine, Edward dubbed himself, "The Favorite," and his first cousins humorously obliged. Spiritually trained in the Baptist Church and formally educated in various schools, he advanced in knowledge. A graduate of Bronx Vocational High School, he acquired new skills with an associate degree from the University of Maryland, an Electronic Computer Technology degree from the Community College of the Air Force and a bachelor's degree in human resources from St. Leo College in Florida. His new skills and knowledge were fine-tuned in the United States Air Force, from which he retired after 24 years of worldwide service. With his wife, Barbralissa Ann Lee Booker, and later their two sons, Michael and Lamont, Edward travelled extensively and lived on military bases domestically in Texas, Florida, Mississippi, California, Nevada, and Virginia. Internationally, he served in Japan, Germany, England, Italy, and Thailand. Retiring as a senior master sergeant (SMSGT) after previously working in teletype maintenance, avionic maintenance, communications, supervisory and managerial positions as well as with NATO, he never mentioned his stellar accomplishments to others, but instead quietly shared his knowledge and skills with the next generation. Besides his two sons, Edward mentored and taught, advised, and inspired many, including his 'bonus' children and grandchildren. He led by example, stood in as a father figure, and shared those many skills he had diligently acquired while also advocating for the military. Edward taught them hands-on mechanical and analytical skills, automobile and household repairs and gave overall good advice including how to raise children. Edward's hobbies and interests included carpentry, working with his hands, electronics, reading and keeping abreast of current affairs, walking around water, his man cave, tools, tools, and more tools (and all so well organized.) He was civic minded and worked at the voting polls. He also enjoyed collecting coffee mugs from the military and other places. He was well-rounded, but oh so modest about his accomplishments. While in London, England, he met Barbara Eileen Henry. Later in life they reconnected and married in March 1991. After marriage, they lived in Florida and then settled in their lovely house that was built on the soil of his! ancestors in Powhatan. On August 6, 2023, "The Favorite" took his last breath in that house. Yes, he learned to work with his hands, acquire new skills, and George Edward Booker did serve others and remained faithful to family and friends. He leaves to cherish loving memories, his wife Barbara Booker; five siblings, Mary Branch (Willie), Vernell Straughter (Herbert), Lawrence Gilbert, Ronald, and Anthony Panton; children: Michael, and Lamont (Tonya); bonus sons: Mark (Tonya) and Carvin; bonus daughter Fayza (Jose); grandchildren: Antionette (James), Nikkietta, Edward, Shomari, Yasmin, Serina; bonus grandchildren: Isabella, Luke, Illianna, Christina, Anissa, Cardeja, and Katelynn; his remaining Aunt: Mabel Bell Gilliam, and a host of other relatives and friends. In the Twilight of my life, when it's time to lay me low Shed no tears, for my life I lived it to its fullest I forgave deeply, cared for sincerely Loved fiercely with no limits Shed no tears, for my life I lived to its fullest I talked with my loved ones who learned I loved them Cared for family beyond blood Helped to raise Men and Women from babies My blood feeds the land I toiled Tears I have shed, watered the flowers of my Spirit The thunder in my voice, laid bare the road for my children Tho I did not clear the obstacles I taught and showed them how to maneuver and overcome Shed no tears, for my life I lived it to its fullest No compromises, no promise made unkept I was of my word, no quarters taken, none made, none given I hurt in the smallest of infractions Yet rose each day to embrace again the challenges of the day fearlessly In the twilight of my life, when it's time to lay me low Shed no tears, for my life I lived to its fullest Remember instead, I loved you fiercely, forgave you deeply, and stood in awe of who you became As I reflect and rest in the big BX in the sky, I will honor you as I watch over and protect you with love that has no bounds and devotion that has no limits "Now Get to Work" By Charity M. Harrison Monday, August 14, 2023 Acknowledgements The Family deeply appreciate your kind expression of sympathy in our great sorrow from the phone calls, flowers, text messages or just stopping by. We know our pain will decrease and what remains will always be. Love all whom you hold dear precious is the time you share. As you gather today to celebrate the life of our loved one. Do not wait for tomorrow for tomorrow may not be…Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and His love be yours to share.