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Shirley Boone Obituary
Beverly Hills - The Lipscomb community will celebrate the life of Shirley Foley Boone at a memorial service Thursday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. in Collins Alumni Auditorium on the Lipscomb University campus. The service is open to the public. A reception will follow the service.
Shirley transitioned to eternal life on Jan. 11 at age 84 in Beverly Hills following a lengthy illness with her family by her bedside. Shirley was the beloved wife of Pat Boone. They were high school sweethearts, graduating from Lipscomb Academy in 1952 and attending Lipscomb University their freshman years. They married in November 1953 and were partners in their life's work from that time to the present.
Perhaps more so than any couple in Hollywood, Shirley and Pat saw their relationships in the entertainment world as opportunities to share their faith and minister to others. Shirley was passionate about her love of Jesus, expressive in sharing God's presence in her life and contagious in her hope others would embrace the life-changing Christian story. While at times at the top of the world of music and theatre, Shirley and Pat have always been driven by their personal faith and been highly influential in sharing it with the world.
Shirley helped establish Mercy Corps, which has become an international charitable organization dedicated to addressing economic, environmental, social and political problems. She also published writings, hosted television shows and recorded music. She is the daughter of Red Foley, a country singer of the 1930s and '40s known for his recording of "Peace in the Valley."
Shirley and Pat believed strongly in the value of Christian education. They have given generously of their time, talents and financial resources. They started an endowment fund for Lipscomb University's social work program in honor of Pat's brother, Nick, a retired assistant professor of social work at Lipscomb. In 2016, the Boones pledged $5 million dollars as the lead gift for what will be the Boone Family Center for the Performing Arts at Lipscomb University. This project joins the Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine University as living legacies of their support for Christian higher education. Generations will be blessed by their return to Nashville through the establishment of the performing arts center at Lipscomb.
Boone is survived by her beloved husband, Pat, their four daughters — Cherry, Lindy, Debby and Laury — and their spouses and children among numerous other family and friends. A memorial service was also held in Los Angeles on Feb. 16.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Boone
Sponsored by The Tennessean.
Mary Ann McCord Reese
February 12, 2025
I vividly remember the first time I saw Shirley Foley. Pat brought her to church at Trinity Lane where he was our song leader. I must have been 10 or 11 years old at the time. She was wearing a light tan suit and a broad brimmed hat of the same color. She was gorgeous, very stylish--a real lady. I was impressed. It is no wonder Pat was also. Truly a match made in heaven. I am so sorry she is no longer with us, but glad she was such an inspiration to so many people and an extraordinary help meet for her husband.
Ramona Preston
February 14, 2022
Memories of the Boone family will be with me until I am with them in Heaven. Their love and prayers were so much a part of saving my life.
At a most critical time, and in a personal conversation with Shirley she told me that her youngest daughter had said to her, "I know Ramona is healed." At the time, it gave me hope that I desparately needed. That was one of Shirley's gifts--to give hope to those struggling in their walk with God.
It may have been only weeks, but it seemed a long time before the hope of that conversation with Shirley blossomed into reality. When it did, a song of declaration was born in God-given victory, a victory that established a foundation for my life, more than 45 years ago. And I will never forget Shirley and her family.
Linda M Poplaski
January 7, 2022
I followed your family when I was younger, read books about the family. Shirley was a beautiful lady and very talented. She loved Jesus as you all do and is safe in His loving arms. My deepest sympathy to the Boone family as I am sure you miss her dearly.
Mary Castillo
March 13, 2021
What an inspiration that you were to everyone. What a Christian giving heart you have. Your legacy will live on forever. You are now a beautiful Angel in Heaven .
Graham Macpherson, Jr.
February 15, 2020
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
October 28, 2019
My heart goes out to the Boone family. I saw your family perform many years ago now when i was in my early 20's in Vancouver BC Canada and what a blessing they were. I am approaching my 70th birthday next year and i still remember how talented they all were. God bless and comfort your family and rest in the peace of knowing that she is now in the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour and singing with the heavenly choir.
Beautiful angel Shirley and Drenda
Gary and Drenda with Kirsten Keesee
March 19, 2019
We loved Shirley! Her passion to win the lost and meet the needs of so many inspired a generation. We will never forget the hospitality of the Boone's in their home as we shared dinner and they prayed over us to minister in Cambodia. Our deepest condolences and prayers for Pat and the family. Shirley's home and in her reward! Praise the Lord!
To God be the glory!
Ramona Preston
February 18, 2019
Pat and Shirley Boone were the first people I met with the Light of the Lord shining brightly, touching my life so profoundly, I have never been the same. When I had the privilege of being with them personally, Shirley comforted my heart as I expressed deep concern for my parents and siblings. After we spent some time in prayer together, my heart was so full, I burst forth in song, and the songs are still coming after 47 years. She is now with the angel choirs of heaven and experiencing the true unhindered joy of the Lord.
Sherry Bellenfant
February 18, 2019
Thinking of you all with prayers for all the love and joy you've given to others. I lost my mom a few years ago & I know how hard it is but keep your faith & God will hold you close to His heart to comfort you.
Betty Westmoreland
February 17, 2019
The David Lipscomb High School Class of 1960 sends our condolences in the loss of Shirley Boone. May she rest in peace, and may her family draw strength from their faith in God and in each other at this difficult time. We send special thoughts to our beloved classmate and Pat's younger sister, Judy.
CHARLENE Sullins
February 17, 2019
Sorry Pat you lost your beloved wife, Shirley. You came to the oldies dinner promoted by Bon Secours in Hampton, VA about eight years ago. I wish I could've talked with U for I am from TN originally and lived at the Church of Christ home for girls in early 50's. Charlene Sullins
Cathy Engebretson
February 17, 2019
Dearest Boone Family,
My late grandparents Seth and Carrie Rehkop have reached out to me to send you their heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beautiful mom, wife and best friend, Shirley. Many years ago they were blessed to meet you all and shared special moments. How wonderful they meet once again in the Kingdom of Heaven with our Savior Jesus Christ.
Heidi D Young
February 17, 2019
So sorry for your loss May the Lord Jesus comfort her family in their time of need She was a truly remarkable woman and I will certainly miss her beautiful smile and personality God be with you all
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