Helen Booker

Helen Booker

Knoxville, TN

Helen Ruth Booker, age 93 of Knoxville. On the afternoon of April 14, 2016, surrounded and comforted by her family, Ruth passed away at Tennova Residential Hospice in Knoxville. Ruth Booker was born in Grainger County, TN on October 16, 1922. She was the first child and eldest daughter of Mossie May and Ulysses Simpson Booker. Ruth moved with her husband Paul to Knoxville during the 1940's to enroll son David at Tennessee School for the Deaf. Serving as PTA President, Ruth helped establish Pancake Day, which is still celebrated. She retired from the University of Tennessee. Ruth will be remembered for her love of God, country, and family. Many were fortunate to enjoy her love of cooking as she shared her savory dishes with not only family, but also with neighbors and friends. She loved new recipes and did not hesitate to call the food editor of Southern Living to correct or enhance a recipe or even challenge a called for ingredient. Ruth also enjoyed reading and traveling ultimately. She also was known as an impeccably dressed lady who never entered her mornings without makeup, clothing pressed, hair combed, fingernails painted as she faced her challenges of each new day. Ultimately, she will be remembered as one who passionately loved her family.

Ruth is preceded in death by her patiently waiting husband, Paul E. Booker; parents, Mossie May and Ulysses Simpson Booker; sister, Ann Sanders; and daughter-in-law, Wanda Aldridge Booker. Donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Alzheimer's Tennessee, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37919.

She is survived by children, David Booker, Donald Booker, Linda Nelson (Zach), and Amy Sayne (Chuck); grandchildren, Dawn Munroe (Rick), Kelli Hensley (Donnie), Harold Booker (Misty), Melissa Knox, Zachary Nelson (Kristi), Jennifer Luckie (Keith), Katie Fails (Sean), and Caroline Harrell (Matthew), Ruth also enjoyed 10 great grandchildren; brothers, U.S. Booker (Mazel), Joe Booker (Brenda) of Knoxville and George Booker of Corryton; sisters, Emma Booker of Greenville, Shirley Shockley of Morristown, and Charlene Hill (Woody) of Huntsville, AL; many beloved nieces and nephews; and surviving members of the Paul E. Booker family.

Family and friends will meet 3:45 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2016 for a 4:00 p.m. entombment at Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. Kent Williams of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Stevens Mortuary, Oglewood Avenue at North Broadway. Mrs. Booker's guest book is available at www.stevensmortuaryinc.com