The Unseen Legacy: 7 Things You Never Knew About Shirley Foley Boone, The Philanthropist Who Helped Found Mercy Corps
The legacy of Shirley Foley Boone, who passed away on January 11, 2019, at the age of 84, extends far beyond her well-known role as the wife of legendary pop singer Pat Boone. While their 65-year marriage was a celebrated partnership in Hollywood, her own accomplishments as a former Nashville vocalist, author, and television personality, coupled with her profound impact as a global philanthropist, cemented her status as a formidable figure in her own right.
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A Life in Focus: Shirley Lee Foley Boone Biography
Shirley Lee Foley Boone was born into the heart of country music royalty and went on to become a matriarch of one of America's most famous entertainment families. Her life was defined by a deep commitment to her faith, her family, and global humanitarian causes.
- Full Name: Shirley Lee Foley Boone
- Born: April 24, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
- Died: January 11, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California, United States.
- Age at Death: 84 years old.
- Cause of Death: Complications from vasculitis, a condition she had contracted.
- Spouse: Pat Boone (married in 1953; their marriage lasted 65 years).
- Father: Clyde Julian “Red” Foley (1910-1968), a legendary country music singer and Grand Ole Opry star, famous for hits like "Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy."
- Children: Four daughters: Cherry, Lindy, Debby, and Laury.
- Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren: She was a beloved grandmother to at least 16 grandchildren and great-grandmother to at least 10 great-grandchildren.
- Education: Graduated from Lipscomb Academy in 1952 and attended Lipscomb University (then David Lipscomb College) in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Career: Former Nashville vocalist, author, television personality, and international philanthropist.
- Key Achievement: Co-founder of Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian aid organization.
The Power of Partnership: A 65-Year Love Story and Family Life
The relationship between Shirley Foley and Pat Boone began in Nashville, where both were high school sweethearts attending David Lipscomb High School (now Lipscomb Academy). Pat Boone often recalled their first meeting, stating, "We started holding hands the moment we met."
They married in 1953 at White's Creek Church of Christ when both were just 19 years old, with the consent of her famous father, Red Foley. This early marriage was unusual for a rising pop star, but Shirley was a grounding force for Pat Boone as his career exploded, making him one of the youngest people in history to host a television show.
The Boone family, including their four daughters—Cherry, Lindy, Debby, and Laury—became a pillar of wholesome American entertainment. The couple faced challenges, including a near-divorce in the 1960s, but their shared Christian faith and commitment to one another ultimately saw them through.
Shirley's influence was instrumental in Pat Boone's life choices, including his decision to continue his college education at Columbia University while his career was at its peak. Their home in Beverly Hills became a center for their ever-growing extended family, which by the time of her death included numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Philanthropic Force: Shirley Boone and The Founding of Mercy Corps
While her connections to country and pop music were significant, Shirley Foley Boone’s most impactful and enduring contribution was in the realm of global aid. She was a passionate and integral figure in the establishment of Mercy Corps in 1981.
Mercy Corps, which began as a small initiative, has since grown into a massive international humanitarian organization. It is dedicated to addressing economic, environmental, social, and political challenges in some of the world's most fragile and conflict-affected areas.
Shirley's deep passion for philanthropy was the driving force behind this work. Her efforts often focused on immediate, critical relief. For example, in the early stages of her humanitarian work, she mobilized ministers and humane organizations to raise over a million dollars in a single week. This substantial sum was used to send vital food and medicines to aid suffering people in Cambodia.
Her commitment to empowering people and providing global aid was a lifelong mission, making her a true humanitarian leader. The organization she helped found is now a global powerhouse, a testament to her vision and tireless efforts.
An Artist and Author: Shirley's Own Career and Legacy
Before dedicating herself fully to philanthropy, Shirley Foley Boone had a career in the entertainment world, which was a natural fit given her family background.
Nashville Vocalist and Television Personality
Shirley was a recording artist herself, utilizing her vocal talents in the Nashville music scene. Growing up as the daughter of Red Foley, who was a cornerstone of the Grand Ole Opry, she was immersed in the music industry from a young age. This early exposure and her own talent made her a known figure in Nashville before she moved to California with Pat Boone.
The Written Word
In addition to her work as a vocalist and TV personality, Shirley was also an accomplished author. She shared her insights on faith and family, often collaborating with Pat Boone on projects that reflected their shared values. This body of work further cemented her role as a moral and spiritual guide for her family and her fans.
Shirley Foley Boone's life was a powerful blend of Hollywood glamour, deep Christian faith, and profound global activism. Her passing in 2019, due to complications from vasculitis, marked the end of an era for the Boone family and the humanitarian community. However, her legacy, particularly through the ongoing work of Mercy Corps, ensures that her impact will continue to be felt by those in need for generations to come. Her life remains a powerful inspiration for those who seek to balance public life with genuine service and charity.
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