Lillie M. Boot

It is with great sadness the Boot Family announces the passing of their matriarch. While she once danced with a King and dined with a Duke, Lillie Boot may be best known for her many years of teaching in the Edmonds School District. As a young recent graduate, she was first hired by the Spokane School District but was asked not to teach once they realized she was African American. Her desire and determination to educate led her to the Edmonds School District where she began a career that touched thousands and spanned decades. She was very active in the community, politics and her church. She became a foster parent in the late 1960s after being widowed for several years. Many of her Kindergarten students would see Mrs. Boot again in the summer as she taught Vacation Bible School. She was very active in her political party, as a precinct committee chairperson for several years and a one-time candidate for Congress. It was at a political event in 1962, that she danced with the visiting Emperor from Ethiopia. During the latter part of her teaching career (when she was in her seventies) she took on the additional responsibility of teaching 8th graders at one of the alternative schools when the teacher abandoned the class. Mrs. Boot loved children of all ages, including teens. At this same time, she also answered the call to foster teens again. She opened her heart and home to The Lost Boys of the Sudan, Haitian, Cuban, Rwandan, Mexican and American foster children for several years. Her home resembled a junior version of the United Nations, and she was never happier. She never met a child she didnt like or couldnt teach. While still in her seventies, she retired from the Edmonds School District to return to law school. After attending the University of Washington Law School and traveling the southern and eastern parts of the country for Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, she once again returned to her true calling of helping young people. She was appointed to the board of directors for Teen Hope and worked in a private group home as an educator and advocate. In her mid eighties, she finally slowed down and directed her focus toward her grandchildren, church, college and professional football, and music. One evening while out with family and friends listening to live jazz, she shared her memories of going to clubs with Duke Ellington and friends she had made through the USO. This remarkable woman is survived by her son Wayland, daughter Joyce, granddaughter Joscelyn Nicole and grandson Byron, numerous foster children and former students. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, 11/22/14 at Faith Community Church, 10220 238th St. SW, Edmonds WA 98020.