Dolores Frier Boone, 97, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after a long and full life.

Dolores was born on February 8, 1929, in Hamilton County, FL, to Horace and Jessie Frier. She grew up in Belle Glade, FL, where she met and married her husband, Carmon Selwyn Boone. Together, they shared 50 years of marriage and raised their family. Education and learning were important throughout Dolores's life. She attended classes at the University of Florida in her younger years and later returned to college, earning her degree in Education from the University of West Florida at the age of 43. She went on to teach English at Woodham High School in Pensacola for 20 years. A lifelong and avid reader, Dolores shared her love of reading and learning with the many students she taught and adored throughout her career. Dolores embraced life with many interests, activities, and enduring friendships. Her church and Sojourner Class were an important part of her life, and she especially enjoyed their lively discussions. She treasured gatherings with her Woodham friends and the friendships of her bridge club, which spanned more than 50 years. She also loved gardening, reading, good neighbors, and two very special little companions, her miniature dachshunds, Blossom and Heidi. In her younger years, Dolores was active in the Junior Woman's Club and Jaycettes, receiving recognition in both organizations as one of their five most active members. She also served in the courts of Beachcombers, Marionettes, and Gaites de Femmes and was honored as Queen of both Marionettes and Gaites de Femmes. Above all else, Dolores loved her family. She was a caring and devoted mother and a source of strength for those around her. When she became a grandmother, "Dee" became "DeeDee," and before long, that was the name used not only by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but by family friends as well. Her grandchildren always knew that when they asked DeeDee for something, her familiar response would be, "What's a DeeDee for?" It was a simple phrase that captured so much of who she was - a grandmother who delighted in doing for the people she loved. DeeDee was also a wonderful Southern cook. In her younger years, her home was often filled with family and friends gathered around the table to enjoy one of her home-cooked meals. She was a true Southern lady who valued family, hospitality, friendship, and tradition.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, Carmon Selwyn Boone; her son, Morgan Hoyt Boone; her son-in-law, William McIver Kemp; her parents, Horace and Jessie Frier; her sisters, Mildred Patrick and Mertice Galbaldon; and her brothers, Clifford Frier and Huell Frier.

Survivors include her daughters, Cathy Boone Kemp and Melissa Boone Hoffman (Charlie); grandchildren, Brian Hoffman (Stefanie), Matthew Hoffman (Russell Martin), Haley Hoffman Alam (Keith), Shannon Kemp Bockelman (Andrew), Christopher Kemp, and Sean Boone (Laura); and great-grandchildren, Aidan and Aubrey Alam, Anderson and Claire Bockelman, Hudson and Adley Kemp, Izzy and Alex Boone, Wesley and Emery Hoffman, and Alanis Cruz.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am until a funeral service begins at 11:00am Friday, August 28, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Pastor James McTyre officiating.

For the last seven years of her life, Dolores made her home at Summer Vista Assisted Living, where she enjoyed the many activities and exercise classes and became part of the community there. Her family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Summer Vista and Gentiva Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and special care they gave Dolores.

Dolores leaves behind a remarkable legacy after 97 years - a life filled with family, education, friendship, faith, and love. To her family, however, her greatest legacy is much simpler. She was their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved DeeDee - the strength of her family and a true Southern lady who loved them deeply. And for generations of her family, the words "What's a DeeDee for?" will always bring back the memory of a woman who found great joy in taking care of the people she loved.