DeWillia Jean Martin Boone
DeWillia Jean Martin Boone, 86, of Port Neches, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 21, 1938, in Jennings, Louisiana, to Willie Mae and David Martin.
DeWillia’s green thumb and deep love for gardening were gifts passed down from her father, while her gentle spirit and compassion came from her mother. Throughout her life, DeWillia held a variety of roles that reflected her work ethic and servant’s heart. She worked more than 20 years at Gulf States Utilities, later helped run the appliance store she and her husband owned in Jasper – serving as both bookkeeper and second in command – and eventually followed in her mother’s footsteps as a devoted home healthcare provider, retiring only at the age of 84 due to health issues.
In 1958, DeWillia married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Norman Boone. They shared 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2014. DeWillia was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who treasured every moment spent with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she took great pride in cheering them on through every stage of their lives. DeWillia’s legacy is one of kindness, laughter, joy, and spontaneity – a spirit her family will carry with them always.
She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Griffin and her “favorite” son-in-law, Mark; her grandchildren, Amanda Jenkins and husband, David, and Collin Tomberlin and wife, Maia; her great-grandchildren, Samatha and Addison Tomberlin, and Evan and Graham Jenkins; her sisters, Gerry Martin and Sherry Nelson; and her niece, Felicia Fegan. She also leaves behind a large extended family whom she loved deeply, Carl and Sunny Ray and their daughters, Kinsley and Kambri; Elisha and Abi Jones and their children, Everett, Elias, and Asa; Heather Jones; and numerous cousins, nieces, great-nieces, and great- nephews.
DeWillia is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Norman; two angel babies; and her niece, Angela Trahan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Groves Senior Citizens Center where DeWillia enjoyed many friendships and fun times, 5649 West Washington Boulevard, Groves.
A memorial service celebrating Dewillia’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Triumph Church, 1407 South Highway 69, Nederland. Mrs. Boone’s cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, 5150 Stivers Street, Beaumont.
Rachel and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I know you’ll miss her but you’ll always have your memories to cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with you
It was always a joy when she walked in at the Groves Senior Center. She would be smiling and styling in her linen pieces and bedazzling jewelry like a breath of fresh air. She was always eager to participate in any games, arts and crafts, and live entertainment, we had at the center. She was intelligent, talented, and interesting to talk to yet she was a great listener and thoughtful of other people’s needs too. A class act in every way Dewillia Boone. Your presence will missed for a very long time. Always your friends at the Groves Senior Center.
Ms. Dewillia was a good person I checked on her on a Regular basis. I would sit and talk with her. She is going to be missed but never forgotten
I still can’t believe…..
that you are gone.
You did IT on your Own Terms-besides the Pain, the struggles, the anguish….
No one will ever think that I do want My ashes scattered in Nepique Bayou because You Did IT FIRST!
Say Hi to DADDY & VICTOR LLOYD NELSON 🩵💔🩵
What a wonderful lady it was such a pleasure to know her!
We were classmates and graduated from Jennings high school in 1957. It was always fun to catch up with each other at class reunions. She was always smiling and kind and caring to everyone.
My sincerest condolences . Your mother and I work together at Home Instead we actually work the same couple for a long time. I will never forget the first time I met your mother. She came to work and she was all dressedip to Relieve me. I said are you going somewhere after work and she said no why I said you’re awful dressed up to be just sitting and waiting on people that are gonna be asleep all Night. We LaughEd and she said I always dress up and that’s what started our friendship. It wasn’t but a few weeks ago she made a comment on one of my posts. I am a gardener. I post pictures of my flowers every day on Facebook. Your mother was a great woman. she was very sweet and talented and soft spoken. She loved her husband. We talked about him. She is at peace with the Lord now.. I will see you again in heaven, Save a spot for me, your friend Sandy🙏🏼🌹🌹🌹
I am so sad to read this. We are classmates from class of 1957. DeWilla was the sweetest person, always so caring for others. Sympathy and love to her family. Heaven gained another angel. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕💕💕💕💕💕
So sorry to hear about your mother passing away. She was a very good friend. She was one of a kind, I will miss her. She gave her all, she enjoyed life and helping who ever was in need.
Rachel so sorry for your loss.
Rachel, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I remember her being so soft spoken and easy going. I know you will miss her, but you have many great memories. Hang on to those!!
The Kreutzer and Thomason family send their deepest condolences to you all. May you find comfort and strength in knowing what a wonderful woman Dewillia was. Her kindness and gentle soul was a breath of fresh air for anyone who met her. Love to you all.
This is such a beautiful tribute to my beautiful maternal cousin. She was a joy to be around because she made everyone feel welcomed and included. My favorite part of her personality was her sense of humor. I thought she was so funny. Even my kids say that she was so unique. I love you and will miss you.
I worked w/Dewilla a very short time at GSU (back then). She actually lived in our neighborhood kept our infant daughter, Tracy, when I went back to work. Sweetest and kindest person. Her husband Norman was also a friend w/my husband. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family and also the loss of Norman.