Jo Anne Phenious Boone

Jo Anne Phenious Ferguson Boone was born February 20, 1933 in Emmanuel County, Georgia to Augustus Phenious and Jimmie Lee McLester.

She began reading at the age of three, and just before entering the primer grade, decided very young that; she wanted to be an educator. In 1949, Jo Anne graduated from Boggs Academy at the age of sixteen. Shortly following high school graduation, she attended Johnson C. Smith University, where she served as President of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and Co-chairman of the Judicial Board.

Mrs. Boone joined Zeta Iota Omega under the leadership of Creola Belton and others that were in the school system like Ms. Ann Adams Wilcox, Mrs. Paula McNeely, Ms. Rosa G. Wayne, Ms. Janita Rome, Mrs. Minnie Butts, and others. Mrs. Boone was a Golden Life Member of the Sorority as she remained an active member for over fifty years. Her service in the sorority included chaplain, where she always offered members uplifting messages. The many positions and services that she provided are so extensive that they cannot be expressed in writing. She was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Delta Chapter in 1950 at Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC. In 1953, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS Degree in English. Soon after receiving her degree, she attended school in Alaska and even moved to Paris, France and taught there for a few years in the beginning of her career in education.

In August of 1954, she became a teacher in the Glynn County School System, as an English and French teacher at Risley High School and Glynn Academy. She taught in the school system for 35 years before retiring. She was an English teacher for a few years at the Brunswick Job Corps Center. She was a member of Brunswick Second Presbyterian Church in Brunswick, GA for over 50 years as a Sunday School, Vacation Bible School teacher and Church Treasurer. She was a member of many clubs and organizations including the Dahlia Garden Club, The Presbyterian Women’s Organization and The Glynn County Retired Educators Association, among many others.

Jo Anne was a very remarkable woman who touched many lives. The members of Zeta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated expressed that Mrs. Boone was the epitome of sisterhood and “Supreme” Service to All Mankind. She was a prestigious woman with an unmeasurable amount of style, poise, and grace. She had a heart of gold and a boundless love for people and a steadfast love for God.

Jo Anne Phenious met and married William C. Ferguson and had a daughter, Carole L. Ferguson. In November of 1957, William died in a tragic automobile accident. Later in life she married the late Rev. James I. Boone, who departed this life in 2015. Her daughter Carole also proceeded her in death in July 2020.

She leaves to cherish her memories: stepdaughter, Barbara Bacon, Jacksonville, FL; three granddaughters, Keesha Ferguson, Krystal Collins (Emmanuel, Sr.) and Kayla Leggett all of Brunswick, GA; eight great-grandchildren, Jazzmine Ferguson, James Ferguson, Krystopher Leggett-Abray, James Jackson, Karrah Collins, Emmari Collins, Emmanuel Collins, Jr., and Kayla Alexis Leggett (Baby Kayla) all of Brunswick, GA; a host of other relatives and friends.

Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside services must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home at any given period during the viewing process.  We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative to each of you for all acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time in their lives.