Marie Estelle Boanton

Marie Estelle Boanton, a beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and devoted servant of God, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 31, 2025, at the age of 85 in Frederick, Maryland.

Born on March 6, 1940, in Washington, D.C., Marie was the eldest of five children born to the late Sumner Rice West and Mary Ellen Jackson. She spent her formative years in Newport, Rhode Island, and graduated from Rogers High School in 1958. Marie pursued higher education at the Perry Normal School in Boston before transferring to Hampton Institute in Virginia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1963. While at Hampton, she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated—later remaining active in the Washington, D.C. alumni chapter.

Marie began her teaching career in Kansas City, Kansas, before returning to Washington, D.C., to teach at Brightwood Elementary School. Throughout her 33 years in the D.C. Public School System, and later in Prince George’s County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools, Marie’s love for education, children, and the arts left a lasting impact. She had a special passion for integrating music and art into her lessons, nurturing her students’ creativity and instilling in them an appreciation for artistic expression.

Beyond her professional life, Marie was a gifted artist and craftswoman. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, sketching, quilting, baking, and playing the piano. Her creativity was matched only by her deep commitment to her faith. In 1972, she joined Berean Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor William A. Treadwell, where she served faithfully for many years as a choir member, pianist, deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Mother’s Board. In later years, she continued her ministry at various churches, leading quilting ministries, music teams, and deaconess boards with grace and devotion.

Marie was married to the late Paul Frederick Boanton, Sr. for 48 wonderful years. Together, they built a loving home and raised four children: the late Paul Frederick Boanton, Jr., Anthony Everett Boanton, the late Timothy Lee Boanton, and Anna Marie Shelton (Brandon). She was a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren: Amber Boanton, Hope McCrea (Keyona), Kaila Wallace, Joshua Brown, Emily Brown, and Charlotte Shelton. Marie also leaves behind her beloved brother William Edward West and is reunited in eternity with her siblings Sumner Lee West, Helen Janet West, and Charles Everett West.

Marie will be remembered for her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and generous heart. She was a peacemaker, a giver, and a nurturer — always sewing blankets and quilts for expecting family and friends, always baking her signature pound cake for every special occasion. Her love for teaching extended beyond academics; through music and art, she brought joy, inspiration, and confidence to countless young lives.

Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her brother, children, grandchildren, son-in-law, extended family, former students, and church family. Though she is no longer with us, the warmth of her love, the beauty of her artistry, and the strength of her faith will live on in the memories and lives she so deeply touched.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” — Proverbs 31:26