| HIST |
she was a native of Sumter, South Carolina
There were few things in this life Boots ever did quietly. The youngest of six children, Boots received her nickname as a tottler from wearing her father’s boots each evening when he returned home from his workday. This became a nightly family event, and some say the first inklings of Boots’ talent of gaining attention and entertaining those around her. • An accomplished softball player who grew up playing neighborhood sandlot ball with three older brothers and neighbor boys, including Bobby Richardson of New York Yankees fame. Boots was “clean-up” hitter for her teams in school and college. Known for her lively Jitterbug, Boots always drew a crowd of admirers and took first prize in many a dance contest. • Having nurtured her beloved father through several illnesses, Boots chose a career in surgical nursing and graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Nursing as a registered nurse and worked in the operating room at Tuomey Hospital, Sumter, South Carolina. Her career was fulfilling and promising, and just as she was about to further her studies at Johns Hopkins University, she met and fell in love with a handsome young jet pilot. • Boots embarked on an adventure as the wife of an Air Force pilot, which took her to live in several foreign countries. She served as president of the Officers Wives Club and was involved in supporing many, many charitable foundations. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Hal became a well-loved, respected figure in Orange County, Florida, government, serving as an elected commissioner for three terms, and as the chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, Florida. Always at his side, she remained his ultimate supporter, best friend and confidante until his death in 1993. She was actively involved in Republican politics throughout her life. • A gifted painter and avid crotchetier, Boots often found ways to express her deep Christian faith through her art and voice. • Every conversation ended with a prayer and a “God bless you,” and each person that entered her life by accident was told that there are no accidents, rather opportunities to meet her Savior, Jesus Christ. at death- she had 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren Her favorite food was the mango in any way, shape, or form (though peeled fresh from the tree was her preference). Like all good southern women, she loved grits and butter beans and Chow Chow relish and stewed tomatoes and sweet tea. • An admitted over-embellisher, she would sew lace and sequins and puffs of tulle on every dress, tablecloth, and object in sight. She was a girly girl when it came to those this. • She had a fiery temper, a superior intellect, but most of all, the woman loved to laugh. And that’s what most will chiefly remember, for the jounrney of life is best salted with humor. of Orlando, Florida [1, 2, 4] |
1929 - 2005 (75 years)
