Vernarde Reber Boothe, Sr., 89, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday, April 26, 2025. A Visitation and Memorial Gathering for family and friends will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 31, at the Dinsmor Neighborhood Clubhouse in Ridgeland, MS. “Boo” was born on December 4, 1935, to Mary Lula Johnson Boothe Mestraitua and Dexter Q’Dellas Boothe, Sr., in Raleigh, North Carolina. His family returned to Mississippi in 1940, and he grew up in Jackson. He attended Central High School, where he was a cheerleader, graduating in 1953. He attended Mississippi College for a year before joining the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and Kelly Air Force Base, and overseas in Turkey, proudly serving his country as Airman Second Class. After discharge, Boo attended college on the GI Bill at Modesto Jr College and finished at Mississippi State University, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1965. Upon graduation, he returned with his family to Jackson, MS. He began a 35-year career with the Mississippi State Highway Department Bridge Division, specializing in drainage and the safe removal of surface water from highway systems. Though he worked on countless projects, one most notable was being part of the team to assess and redesign bridges and roadways damaged and destroyed by Hurricane Camille on the MS Gulf Coast in 1969. Following his retirement in 2000, Boo enjoyed 24 years filled with family and favorite pastimes, including hunting and fishing, watching sports, and ballroom dancing. He passed his deep love of nature and the outdoors on to his family, often sharing tips and information about wildlife and nature, and taking great pride in the hunting successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “Pappy Boo” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he attended innumerable sporting events, recitals, programs, performances, and other activities, often going to 2 or more in a single day. Wearing his signature hat, he was quick with a hug and smile as he proudly cheered on his athletes and performers. He meticulously kept up with and acknowledged holidays and the birthdays and anniversaries of each family member and their spouses with a card that included a personal note and a small sketch, usually of his beloved “KittyKat.” Boo enjoyed the activities, but more important to him was knowing that his children and their families were followers of Jesus. With great joy, he proudly witnessed and celebrated the baptisms of 3 more of his family members in the last few months. Only days before his passing, a text to his daughter read, “Good Morning, Sunshine, on Easter Morning! Hope everyone is fine on Celebration Day of Our Faith- the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Savior!! He lives!! Much love to all!!” Boo is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Faye McQuirter Boothe; his brother D.Q.“Dink” Boothe, Jr.; his sister, Sandra Boothe McRae; and his great-granddaughter, Anna Brett Boothe. He is survived by sons, Vern Boothe, Jr. (Jane), and Kent Boothe (Leigh); his daughter, Mindy Perry (Quinton); his grandchildren, Clay Boothe (Christine), Brett Boothe (Stacie), Spencer Boothe (Casey), Aubrey Leigh Goodwin (Tommy), Christopher Boothe (Mallori), Matthew Boothe (Yancy Beth), Chase Boothe (Emily), Chelsea Bennett (Daniel), Ann Turner James (Tim), Wes Perry (Alex), and Catherine Perry; 19 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Bud McRae; his beloved Kitty; and many other cherished friends and family members. Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International- North Madison Camp, P.O. Box 908, Flora, MS 39071.