Sarah Juru Boozer

Sarah Juru Collins Boorer daughter of the late Harry and Marie Collins, was born on January 9, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA, She transitioned, after a lengthy illness, on November 22, 2024, to rest in the arms of our Lord. At a young age, Sarah gave her life to the Lord at Mt. Zion A.M.E. in Darby, Pennsylvania. She was active in the youth choir and supported many of the church ministries until graduation from college. Sarah was a quiet, reserved child who was both inquisitive and introspective. She enjoyed athletics and played field hockey and basketball throughout junior and senior high school. Sarah attended public schools in, what is now known as, the William Penn School District and graduated from Darby Colwyn High School in 1961. She then attended Cheyney State University, the oldest Historically Black College and University (HCBU); making lifelong friendships there. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, Believe it or not, Sarah played varsity basketball for all four years of her college career! Upon graduation, Sarah was hired to teach elementary school in Pottstown, PA and served as an elementary school teacher there for two years before being swept off her feet by a junior high school and high school classmate, whom she affectionately called "Ronnie." On July 6, 1968, Sarah married the love of her life, Ronald Boozer, with her uncle, Retired Presiding Elder George Manning, uniting them in holy matrimony. From this union were born her two greatest joys, Rhonda Simone and Stacey Jerod. Sarah was a loving and doting mother to her children, always putting their needs (and wants) above her own. And just when she thought it would never happen, God gave her the desires of her heart and blessed her with three grandsons in less than a 3-year period! They were TRULY the apples of their Nana's eye. After marriage, Sarah moved to Baltimore, Maryland and accepted a position in the Baltimore City Public School System as a teacher at Montebello Elementary School. She taught at Montebello for 32 years and then moved to Callaway Elementary School for her last five years of service. "Mizz Boozer" was known as a stern, dedicated teacher who never accepted "can't" as an answer. Sarah also gave of her time and talent tutoring children, after school, in several shelters in Baltimore City. She was a no nonsense, effective, and dedicated teacher. Teaching remained in her blood, after retirement, as she proudly taught her grandsons the fundamentals of reading and tutored many other children in her home. Sarah was a member of Douglas Memorial Community Church, where she faithfully served on the choir. Prior to she and her husband joining Douglas Memorial together, she was a member of Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church, where she also sang on the choir and even served as Choir President for a while. Sarah will be missed for her quiet, calm demeanor, resilience, and unmatched dedication to her husband and family. Among so many other things, the boys will miss Nana sneaking them a Coke and endless food and snacks, letting them participate in her "scratch offs" playing Hangman when they spent the night, her taking them to Target and helping them with piano lessons, and seeing her face/having her support at everything they do. Sarah leaves to rejoice in her memory; the love of her life for 56 years, Ronald Boozer, devoted children Rhonda Boozer-Yeary (Todd) and Stacey Boozer; her loving grandsons Jordan, Joshua (with whom she shared a birthday), and Sachie; bonus grandchildren Robert & Simone. Her sister, Sallie Harris, preceded her in death by 15 months. Sarah will be lovingly remembered by her brother Harry "Butch" Collins (Brenda); niéces Wanda and Janelle; nephews Keith, Mark, and Justin; one uncle, Retired Presiding Elder George Manning (102 years old); one aunt, Maranda Allen (100 years old); godchild Nancee "Bunnie" Daniels and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Sarah Juru Boozer

January 9, 1943 - November 22, 2024