Obituaries
Obituary for Alma Booth
The Life and Legacy of Alma Burchett Roulhac Booth
Alma Burchett Roulhac Booth, educator, historian and proud Memphian passed on March 11, 2015 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Delorise Booth in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. She was born April 15, 1914 to Isabelle Wood of Washington, DC and Dr. Christopher M. Roulhac, Sr. of Chipley, Florida. Her father practiced medicine in Memphis for over fifty years, and her mother was a retired teacher in the Memphis City School System. She was predeceased in death by her loving husband, Philip S. Booth, Jr. in 1977 and her brother, Dr. Christopher M. Roulhac, Jr. (Nellie Gordon), former Director of the Memphis Abe Schwab YMCA and Director of Admission at Cheyney State University in Pennsylvania in 1997.
Alma attended Larose Elementary and LeMoyne High School and Junior College until 1933; at which time, she transferred to Howard University in Washington, DC. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in social studies in 1935 and subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Columbia University in New York City. Upon graduation from Howard University, Alma taught at Porter Junior High and later at Hamilton High School. Her career in education led to other administrative positions, including principal at Keel School for the Handicapped and Educational Consultant for the Division of Special Education of Memphis City Schools. She retired in 1979.
Attracted by his gregarious personality, style, and attentiveness to his young son, Phillip S. Booth, III, Alma fell in love with and married Phillip S. Booth, Jr., a widower whose caring nature captured her heart. Their marriage blessed them with the birth of their son, Christopher Roulhac Booth.
Alma was confirmed in Emmanuel Episcopal Church in 1926 and remained a diligent member until her move to Wyncote, Pennsylvania in 2004. As a young girl, she served on the Altar Guild, sang in the choir and acted as substitute organist. Having been a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church since her birth, she became the historiographer of the church, providing valuable historical documentation for the archives. Alma was also instrumental in obtaining a historical marker for the church, donating eight stained glass windows and contributing the Memoriam Cabinet and Church Book to Emmanuel. She was chairman and honorary chairman of the 100th and 125th anniversaries of the Emmanuel Church Program.
A passionate humanitarian, Alma served on several community boards: the Urban League, WDIA Radio, the Episcopal Church Home Board, and the West Tennessee Historical Commission.
She volunteered her services at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Center for Southern Folklore, the Wonder Series Exhibits, and was as a life member of the Sarah Brown Branch of the YWCA. On a more social level, Alma was Past President of Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Charter Member of the Memphis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America; Charter Member and President of Memphis Links, Inc.; Co-Founder and President of S.K.C. Bridge Club; and a life member of Afa Ofa, Devoue Bridge Clubs and Phylis Wheatley Art and Social Club.
Alma was a fervent traveler and entertainer, having traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean Islands with her traveling companion and dear friend, Roberta Church. Her many experiences with a variety of cultures were reflected in the themes of her bridge parties and club activities. A voracious reader of books from historical novels to classical and contemporary literature, Alma also enjoyed cataloguing her travels and scrapbooking major events of her life. Prior to her ailing health, she was engaged in completing the third volume of her memoirs, Tender Memories: a Grandmother’s Legacy, a gift to her great-grandchildren. She had an insatiable passion for living. For her: “Life was a party, full of family, friends and love.”
Left to cherish her memory and legacy are: sons, Christopher Roulhac, S r. (Delorise Joyner) of Wyncote, Pennsylvania and Philip Booth, III (Jean Mahadeo) of Antelope, California; grandchildren, Christopher Roulhac Booth, Jr., Esq. (Marisol Sosa) of Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Anthony Parker Bo oth of Phoenix, Arizona, Traci P. Booth of Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Dr. Pamela Booth Robinson Littles (Howard) of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and Jennifer Booth Hardy Kidd (Micah) of Las Vegas, Nevada; great-grandchildren: Lauren Alessandra Booth, Cameron Marie Booth, Christopher R. Booth, III, Erin Robinson, Summer Littles, Joshua Hardy, Christian Hardy and Kaia Kidd; her loving niece, Dr. Yvonne Roulhac Horton and devoted nephew, Christopher M. Roulhac, III (Marcella Hyde); and numerous great nieces and nephews. Also mourning her passing are many loyal and dedicated friends.
Never look back. Alma Burchett Roulhac Booth
Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4150 Boeingshire Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38116 on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 12:00 noon; viewing at 11:00 AM.
Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Rd., Memphis, TN 38134. Tel. (901) 379-0861.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church Youth Ministries.
Read More
Alma Burchett Roulhac Booth, educator, historian and proud Memphian passed on March 11, 2015 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Delorise Booth in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. She was born April 15, 1914 to Isabelle Wood of Washington, DC and Dr. Christopher M. Roulhac, Sr. of Chipley, Florida. Her father practiced medicine in Memphis for over fifty years, and her mother was a retired teacher in the Memphis City School System. She was predeceased in death by her loving husband, Philip S. Booth, Jr. in 1977 and her brother, Dr. Christopher M. Roulhac, Jr. (Nellie Gordon), former Director of the Memphis Abe Schwab YMCA and Director of Admission at Cheyney State University in Pennsylvania in 1997.
Alma attended Larose Elementary and LeMoyne High School and Junior College until 1933; at which time, she transferred to Howard University in Washington, DC. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in social studies in 1935 and subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Columbia University in New York City. Upon graduation from Howard University, Alma taught at Porter Junior High and later at Hamilton High School. Her career in education led to other administrative positions, including principal at Keel School for the Handicapped and Educational Consultant for the Division of Special Education of Memphis City Schools. She retired in 1979.
Attracted by his gregarious personality, style, and attentiveness to his young son, Phillip S. Booth, III, Alma fell in love with and married Phillip S. Booth, Jr., a widower whose caring nature captured her heart. Their marriage blessed them with the birth of their son, Christopher Roulhac Booth.
Alma was confirmed in Emmanuel Episcopal Church in 1926 and remained a diligent member until her move to Wyncote, Pennsylvania in 2004. As a young girl, she served on the Altar Guild, sang in the choir and acted as substitute organist. Having been a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church since her birth, she became the historiographer of the church, providing valuable historical documentation for the archives. Alma was also instrumental in obtaining a historical marker for the church, donating eight stained glass windows and contributing the Memoriam Cabinet and Church Book to Emmanuel. She was chairman and honorary chairman of the 100th and 125th anniversaries of the Emmanuel Church Program.
A passionate humanitarian, Alma served on several community boards: the Urban League, WDIA Radio, the Episcopal Church Home Board, and the West Tennessee Historical Commission.
She volunteered her services at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Center for Southern Folklore, the Wonder Series Exhibits, and was as a life member of the Sarah Brown Branch of the YWCA. On a more social level, Alma was Past President of Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Charter Member of the Memphis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America; Charter Member and President of Memphis Links, Inc.; Co-Founder and President of S.K.C. Bridge Club; and a life member of Afa Ofa, Devoue Bridge Clubs and Phylis Wheatley Art and Social Club.
Alma was a fervent traveler and entertainer, having traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean Islands with her traveling companion and dear friend, Roberta Church. Her many experiences with a variety of cultures were reflected in the themes of her bridge parties and club activities. A voracious reader of books from historical novels to classical and contemporary literature, Alma also enjoyed cataloguing her travels and scrapbooking major events of her life. Prior to her ailing health, she was engaged in completing the third volume of her memoirs, Tender Memories: a Grandmother’s Legacy, a gift to her great-grandchildren. She had an insatiable passion for living. For her: “Life was a party, full of family, friends and love.”
Left to cherish her memory and legacy are: sons, Christopher Roulhac, S r. (Delorise Joyner) of Wyncote, Pennsylvania and Philip Booth, III (Jean Mahadeo) of Antelope, California; grandchildren, Christopher Roulhac Booth, Jr., Esq. (Marisol Sosa) of Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Anthony Parker Bo oth of Phoenix, Arizona, Traci P. Booth of Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Dr. Pamela Booth Robinson Littles (Howard) of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and Jennifer Booth Hardy Kidd (Micah) of Las Vegas, Nevada; great-grandchildren: Lauren Alessandra Booth, Cameron Marie Booth, Christopher R. Booth, III, Erin Robinson, Summer Littles, Joshua Hardy, Christian Hardy and Kaia Kidd; her loving niece, Dr. Yvonne Roulhac Horton and devoted nephew, Christopher M. Roulhac, III (Marcella Hyde); and numerous great nieces and nephews. Also mourning her passing are many loyal and dedicated friends.
Never look back. Alma Burchett Roulhac Booth
Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4150 Boeingshire Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38116 on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 12:00 noon; viewing at 11:00 AM.
Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Rd., Memphis, TN 38134. Tel. (901) 379-0861.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church Youth Ministries.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
20
Mar
5:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Visitation
Saturday
21
Mar
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
4150 Boeingshire Drive
Memphis, TN 38116
Service
Saturday
21
Mar
12:00 PM
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
4150 Boeingshire Drive
Memphis, TN 38116
Cemetery Details
Location
Elmwood Cemetery
824 S. Dudley St.
Memphis, TN 38104
Loading...