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Obituary For Rev. Dr. Booker T. Booker, Jr.
Booker Taliaferro Booker Jr. was born on April 3, 1936, in Sycamore, Alabama. He was the eighth child of the late Booker T. Booker Sr. and Lena (Hampton) Booker. Affectionately known as a “spoiled” child, Booker often shared how his parents and siblings—the late Ruby, Ulysses, Hugh, Willie Pearl, Marcus, Sherman, and Mary Lois—lavished him with love. His parents were Christians, hardworking individuals who emphasized education and taught him to give back to family and others.
Booker T. Booker attended elementary and high school at Robert Russa Moton High School. It was during his elementary school years that he met the love of his life, Vera Jenkins.
He graduated from high school in 1954 and enrolled at Alabama A&M University in Normal (Huntsville), Alabama, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Vocational Agricultural Business Education and minors in Science, English, and History.
He continued his studies at Alabama State University from 1962 to 1965, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision.
In 2004, he received a Master of Arts in Bible & Pastoral Ministry from Selma University, and in 2017, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from American Bible University.
Booker Jr. established a successful and impactful legacy in educational service in Dallas and Wilcox Counties. He was awarded Teacher of the Year (1964–1965) in Dallas County.
Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles. He taught Chemistry, General Science, World History, and American Government, and coached basketball for four years.
In 1962, Booker Jr. became one of the youngest elementary school principals hired in the state of Alabama. In 1965, he became principal of a formerly predominantly white high school in Camden, Alabama.
During his distinguished career, he served as principal of three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. He also served as Director and Administrative Assistant of Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Programs (1973–1975) in Wilcox County, helping expand educational opportunities.
He retired from the Wilcox County School System on June 30, 1991.
Booker T. Booker Jr.’s highest calling was accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Sycamore, Alabama as a child.
He was later licensed and ordained into the ministry at Africa Missionary Baptist Church in Talladega, Alabama. He accepted his first pastoral assignment at New Queen Missionary Baptist Church in Lamison, Alabama, where he served faithfully for seven years (1976–1983).
He later served as pastor of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama, for 38 years (1985–2023).
His ministerial work included:
- Moderator, Uniontown District Association (affiliated with the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education)
- Participant in workshops through the Moderator’s Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc (2001–2014)
- Founder and CEO of the NOED Faith-Based Program at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church
- Founder of the Morning Star Radio Broadcasting Ministry (established 1986–present)
His community involvement and personal interests were broad and impactful. He was a member of the National Education Association at the state and county levels, and a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
He enjoyed traveling, including a memorable journey to the Holy Land, where he assisted in the baptism of thirty-eight candidates in the Jordan River. He also cherished family trips to conventions and gatherings.
In his leisure time, he loved fishing at “Pearl’s Pond,” reading his Bible, and studying God’s Word.
Through his radio ministry, he faithfully brought the Gospel to the sick, shut-in, and incarcerated throughout Dallas County and surrounding areas every Sunday evening since 1986.
He remained active in religious and educational organizations at the local, state, and national levels, including the Uniontown District Association, Southwest District Convention, Alabama Missionary Baptist State Convention, and the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.
He leaves to cherish his tremendous legacy and memory: his beloved wife of 67 years, Vera Jenkins; daughters, Zandra Nash (Arvin) and Zannetta; sons, Kelvin Booker (Sharon) and Robert Gaddis (Teresa); four sisters, Brenda Booker, Earnestine Henley, Claudine Chatman (Levi), and Margaret Barclay (Wallace); six brothers, Robert Booker (Bessie), John Jenkins (Mary), Percy Jenkins (Cynthia), Kenneth Jenkins (Deborah), George Smith, and James Chapman; nine grandchildren, Kevinetta Marshall, Zanedra Nash, Zannesha Booker, Zanae Nash Williams (Lawrence), Tara Johnson, Rodnica Eason (Lee), Kandace Montgomery (Jason), Desirae Moody (Jeremiah); Kelvin Booker Jr.; nineteen great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; special family members, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and extended family.
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You are in my prayers.
Since I have been 15 years old you have imparted so much into my life and into my ministry. You not only showed me the way , but you sit down for countless hours and days teaching me about life and teaching me about the word of god and how to be a great preacher for jesus christ. You were my adopted pastor and you were a father figure for me. You the Goat when it came to knowledge. I watch you for many years and always wanted to be like you. There were times when I would just come out to your home.So that I could listen to your wisdom. You and Mother Booker always welcome me with open arms. We traveled a lot of places across the state and out of the state together.You were my Paul and I was your Timothy. My late mother would always tell me that I was under a good man like you. My heart was very hurt when you left to be with Jesus.But I know to be absent in front of the body is to be present with the lord. And i'm so happy that I always got an opportunity to tell you what you meant to me and how much you imparted into my life. Even now , as a pastor I use a lot what you have taught me down through the years. I know that you cannot come back to us.But one day we will see you. Take your rest , Reverend Doctor B T Booker I will see you in the morning.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
