Jesse Lee Boone, Jr. peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He passed away in his sleep, surrounded by peace and comfort, as the sun set beyond Heaven's gates.

Jesse was born on January 16, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Jesse Lee Boone, Sr. and Nora Warren (White). He was raised in Adams Grove, Virginia, where he was educated in the Southampton County School System and graduated from Riverview High School.

Jesse proudly served his country in the United States Army. A Vietnam-era veteran, he was stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of Specialist Four (SP4), E-4. Following his military service, he relocated to Newark, New Jersey, where he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Counts.

Like many hardworking men of his generation, Jesse held various jobs throughout his early years as he worked to build a better life for himself and his family. He eventually found his career home at Maher Terminals in the Port of Newark, where he dedicated 32 years of loyal service as a longshoreman. Through his skill, determination, and work ethic, he earned the respected title of Master Crane Operator. Jesse retired in 2010 and relocated to South Carolina, where he live life in the home, he had worked tirelessly to build.

Jesse embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved traveling, spending time with family and friends, and creating lasting memories with those he loved. One of his favorite traditions was traveling to Chincoteague, Virginia, to watch the famous wild horses make their annual swim. Whether sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, Jesse brought warmth wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Lee Boone, Sr.; his sisters, Gwendolyn Warren and Linda Clinkscales; his brothers, Orlander Warren and Wayne Lee Boone; his beloved cousin, Joanna Moore, who was more like a sister; his cherished aunts, Ernestine Gardner and Patricia Boone, who helped raise him and held special places in his heart; and his uncle, William Boone, Jr.

Jesse leaves to cherish his memory of his loving mother, Nora Warren; his wife, Dorothy Counts-Boone; his daughter, April Davis; and his son, Marcus Boone. He also leaves behind his two beloved granddaughters, Ji'yah Pretlow-Boone and Jada Green, whom he loved dearly and treasured beyond measure.

Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Brenda Baskerville and Rosalind Warren. He is further survived by his special cousins, Babby Tyler and Tina Gardner, who were like siblings throughout his life, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness, wisdom, strength, and unwavering love.

Though he is no longer with us in body, Jesse's legacy of service, hard work, devotion, and love for family will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be missed tremendously.

Services will be held 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.

The family request that there will be no public viewing for Mr. Boone.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6037736?fl=so&fe=fs