Mary Julia Booker

Mary Julia Booker (Matthews) was born in Tucker, Arkansas to her loving parents Jesse and Lillian Matthews.  She shared her parents with six (6) siblings, Ernestine, Jessie, Leon, Effie Mae, Ola Bea and Imogene. Mary Julia, after moving from Little Rock, Arkansas to Portland, Oregon, she met Floyd N. Booker, Sr. They were together for over 67 years, until his passing. From this union they had seven children: Nathaniel (Floyd II.), Harry Darnell (Donnie), LaDale, Ronald, Michael, Denise and Ricky.  She also had twin daughters (Lilli Jean and Carol Jean). 

Mary Julia Booker and her husband were long-time residents of Oregon, settling early in Vanport, Oregon. They assisted several families to escape the devastation of the “Vanport Flood.”

Mary Julia Booker was known by her friends and family for her cooking. Her husband would often say, “My wife can cook anything, and cook it well.”  Friends of her children often could be found eating at her table. Her kind heart and welcoming home were always open to many. She was an exemplary homemaker, setting an example for many young women. Her daughter
remembers lessons from her mother for social graces, respect, cooking,homemaking and the honor to be a woman. 

She loved all sports and, with five boys participating, attended many sporting events, including track, football, baseball and basketball.  She said she enjoyed watching any sport with a ball in it, even soccer, although she said she didn’t understand it.

Working with her husband, they established and operated Courtesy Janitorial Services, Inc. This business still exists and continues to provide employment opportunities for many women and men from the Portland community.

Preceding Mrs. Booker’s passing are her husband Floyd N. Booker Sr., sons LaDale Eugene Booker and Harry Darnell Booker, granddaughter Julia and a very special Godson, Anthony Branch Sr.. Family left to cherish her memory are her children Nathaniel (Floyd II.), Ronald Sr. (Kristina), Michael Sr., Denise, and Ricky Sr. (Margie); Twenty-two (22) Grandchildren, Twelve (12) Great Grandchildren, and  six (6) Great-Great Grandchildren; Sister-in-Law Betty Booker; Godchildren, Earline Bagley, and Helen Warren; numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

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