Jonathan Charles Booker

Jonathan Charles Booker went to heaven on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at the age of 25. Jon was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 14, 1992, the only son of Troy and Lorri Booker. Jon was an artist, expressing his talent through music, photography, and videography. Everything he did was filled with passion and excitement, and he preserved the joy he brought to those around him through the lens of his camera. Every day he woke up ready to make the most out of life, and he couldn’t help but make others feel the same sense of happiness and adventure. Jon was also a car enthusiast, and he took photos and created videos for automobile lovers all over the city to showcase their hobby. But he wasn’t just the cameraman; he owned a lot of different cars himself, investing his personal time into learning how to fix and customize his cars. Jon’s most recent project was his red BMW Z4 Roadster, a car that he proudly showed off to his friends and family. The car suited who he was as a person—young and carefree. Jon was also an active skateboarder, taking an interest in the sport when he was only 8-years-old. He had a natural gift for skating, and his talent did not go unnoticed as he competed in skate competitions throughout Memphis. When Jon was a teenager, he was diagnosed with a severe form of scoliosis, and at 19-years-old, he had a spinal surgery that made even the smallest movements difficult. But Jon managed to not only heal, he also taught himself to skateboard once again. Even when faced with the most difficult challenge, Jon persevered and kept a positive attitude, determined to continue to do everything he loved. In one day, he could go to work, film a music video, do a photoshoot, fix a car, and skateboard with his friends. He always made time, even for the littlest things. Jon touched the life of every person he met. He held a special place in the family as the only boy and the baby. His sisters personally asked God for him when more than 25 years ago, they sent a note on a balloon asking for a baby brother. Jon was special to all of them, and he was able to share his kindness and friendship with those around him. He looked forward to a future with his fiancé, Courtney Slakans, who was always by his side, sharing in the laughter and good times. He had many friends, both within and outside of Memphis, and he built a local fame just by being a kind and pure soul. He was well-loved and will always be remembered fondly by his friends and family. Jon is survived by his loving parents, Troy and Lorri Booker; his fiancé, Courtney Slakans; his four older sisters, Candice Baker (Greg), Katie Smith, Endia Booker, and Elizabeth Booker Houston (Billy); his six nieces and nephews, Brandon Baker, Jessica Baker, Carley Baker, Hailey Smith, Ian Smith, and Ryan Smith; his grandparents, Robert and Dolores Richerme; his aunts, Fannie Booker and Lynn Keenan (Rob); and his uncles, Allen Booker (Verlene), Melvin Booker (Barbara), and Tom Richerme (Stephanie).

Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Allen and Ollie Booker, and his uncle, Robert Richerme.

Visitation will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., and a memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens is located at 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133.