Florence Boone

Florence Boone, affectionately known as “Flo,” was born on December 17, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Frank and Edna Coates. She was one of ten children and was preceded in death by several beloved siblings. Florence shared a particularly close and cherished bond with her sister Linda Coates, with whom she spent countless meaningful moments throughout her life. Florence attended Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore, where she met the love of her life, Edward Boone (“Ed”). The two were united in marriage in 1958, beginning a devoted partnership that would span a lifetime. Together, they raised two children, Roslyn Peaks and Michael Boone. Florence poured herself into creating a disciplined, nurturing, and value-driven home, instilling in her children the importance of hard work, goal setting, and unwavering commitment to family—principles that guided them into successful adulthoods. A proud matriarch, Florence found her greatest joy in family. She was blessed with five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, lovingly referring to them as the “apples of her eye.” Ensuring the well-being and unity of her family brought her deep purpose and fulfillment. Professionally, Florence dedicated more than 30 years to the medical field. She began her career at Lutheran Hospital and later joined Baltimore County General Hospital (now LifeBridge Health – Northwest Hospital), where she served as a Specialty Instrumentation Technician in the Sterile Special Processing Department. Known for her precision, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional work ethic, Florence trained countless operating room professionals on highly specialized surgical instrumentation before her retirement. Florence and Ed established a welcoming home “in the county,” which became a place of love, stability, and opportunity for many. She lovingly opened doors to her nephew Reesie during his teenage years to ensure access to quality education. In 1981, her niece Deborah “Debbie” Glaze moved in following her graduation from the University of Maryland, and Florence proudly referred to her as “daughter #2.” She maintained a loving connection with her nephew Anthony “Tony” Jones. Over the years, her generosity extended to many others, forming lifelong bonds with those she embraced as family, including Sharon Parks, Cherron and Malcolm Mitchell, and her devoted neighbor and treasured friend, Jetta Heckstall, whose companionship and care were invaluable. Florence possessed a vibrant spirit and a deep appreciation for life. She would always greet you with a radiant smile. While her natural demeanor was cool, calm, and collected, if she had something to say, she was very clear and direct in expressing her thoughts. She loved traveling, especially her annual family road trips to Hilton Head, where she cherished ocean breezes, heartfelt conversations with dear friend Ruby Mitchell (on their favorite swing), and watching her grandchildren delight in the pool and beach. She delighted in gatherings with her brother Donald (prior to his passing) and extended family—filled with jazz, The Platters, Motown classics, laughter, and unforgettable conversation. A passionate shopper, Florence was a loyal fan of QVC and HSN, delighting in purchasing gifts for her grandchildren and home. An excellent cook, Florence maintained an extensive cookbook collection and was widely known for her homemade potato salad, coleslaw, and holiday Jewish apple cakes, dishes eagerly anticipated by family and friends. A devoted sports enthusiast, she proudly “TV coached” her beloved Baltimore Ravens and enthusiastically cheered for the Golden State Warriors—often with Debbie on the phone by her side. Florence Boone leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Roslyn Peaks (Harold) and Michael Boone; grandchildren Marcus, Ashley, Octavius, Kristen, and Justin; great grandchildren Mason, London, Zachariah, Jay, Callie, Kyah, and Benji; her sister Linda Coates; brother in law George Boone Jr.; sisters in law Betty Capehart and Vera Boone; special niece Deborah Glaze; special friend Jetta Heckstall; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Edward Boone and her siblings Frank Coates Jr., Delores Smith, Mary Jane Dates, Ouida Howard, Calvin Boone, Donald Boone, Carroll Coates, and Sandra Jones. Florence will be remembered for her strength, generosity, discipline, warmth, and unwavering love for family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the love she so freely gave.

Tributes

Florence Boone

December 17, 1936 - April 4, 2026