John Henry Booker

John aka Donnie was born on 08/07/1959 in Lakewood, NJ to the late Lula Bell Booker and Willie Duncan Mays. John was cared for by his loving stepfather Julius Joseph Hester from an infant after the death of his father until his death.

John attended Wells Chapel A.M.E from a young age with his grandmother Lillian Booker where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. In his adult life, he attended Bethel United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, NY. He was always willing to help out in the church when needed . John attended the Berkeley Township School system from a young age until graduating high school. John joined the Army after high school and served seven years before becoming a private citizen again. John held several CDL jobs before retirement.

John was married to the late Susan Cucchiara until her death in 2021 which the union lasted over 30 years. Susan was the love of his life and her passing caused him much pain..

He leaves to cherish his memories: Jazzy (cat), Aunt Hattie Johnson; stepchildren Donna, Bobby, Brian and Lara Driscoll. Brothers: Cliff Mays, Willie Booker, Joseph Hester, James Hester and Micah McDonald and sisters: Joyce Hawkins, Betty Hester, Dorothy Hester, Jerusha Hester, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and a host of friends. John also leaves special people to his heart: Tori Williams, Thomas Wade, father in-law, James Trotman and Eddie Smith.

“I am so sorry to leave so soon but my smile is no longer of happiness. My pain was so deep in my soul that it had covered my bright light that could not continue to shine.”

A visitation for John will be held Friday, January 27, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Wells Chapel AME Church, 26 Center Street, South Toms River, NJ 08757. A service will occur Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 26 Center Street, South Toms River, NJ 08757. A burial will follow Friday, January 27, 2023 at Ocean County Memorial Park, 1722 Silverton Rd, Toms River, New Jersey with military honors.