Mora Evelyn Waddell Boone died Dec. 11, 2008, just 12 days short of her 107th birthday. She was a wonderful friend of the Texas A&M Foundation and will be greatly missed.

Mora Waddell Boone at the One Spirit One Vision campaign finale event in March 2007.

Boone was one of the many women who attended summer school and took extension courses at Texas A&M during the 1930s, about 30 years before the first female graduates. Her husband, James Boone, was a member of the class of ’21, but didn’t receive his degree until 1937. World War I interrupted his schooling, but he was later allowed to attend A&M with his wife as a fellow classmate.

Mora and James shared a passion for learning and teaching. He taught mathematics and civics courses and served as principal and superintendent. She taught English and then worked as a school librarian. Both served public schools in Lolita, Needville, Houston and Beasley for more than 32 years. They were married for 74 years before James died in 1996.

After her retirement, Boone encouraged others to become teachers. In 2004 she endowed the Mora Wadell Boone and James L. Boone Sr. ’21 President's Endowed Scholarship for students in the College of Education at Texas A&M University. The first recipient of the Boones' PES, Joseph Holm '09, graduated on Dec. 13, just two days after Boone's death. This endowed scholarship will continue to support future Aggie educators forever, immortalizing the Boones' commitment to education.

Boone’s sons are also A&M graduates, and James Jr. ’44 and H.S. “Dan” ’46 continue to be generous Aggie supporters.

Mora Wadell Boone is an awe-inspiring example of the Aggie spirit that never fades. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who have been touched by her passion and generosity.

By Alice Bassett

Photo credits: Robb Kendrick and Jim Lyle