Eloise Born Farnsworth

On Sunday, December 1, Eloise “Bootie” Farnsworth earned her angel wings at the age of 83. Though she was unable to leave the hospital, she died peacefully with both of her children at her side.

Bootie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 10, 1941 to Eloise and Tom Born. She attended the Louise S. McGehee School for junior high and high school, graduating in 1959. Growing up Bootie also spent over 10 summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Nakanawa in Crossville, Tennessee. McGehee’s and Nakanawa were both important parts of her adolescent years.

Bootie started college at Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, made her way to Ole Miss, stopped off in Atlanta to work several years with Delta airlines, and finally finished her degree at Tulane University night school. 

Her first marriage, in 1971, was to John Weston. She and John moved to Lexington, Kentucky and welcomed two children, Susie in 1972 and Thomas in 1975. Bootie lived in Kentucky for 10 years, but when she and John divorced, she was quick to return to her roots, moving back to New Orleans in 1982. 

Once back in New Orleans, Bootie began working at International Sureties, and remained there until she retired in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. As one of their principal sales associates, Bootie thrived in her work, and was a tremendous asset to the business.

In 1994 Bootie reconnected with a life-long friend, Mr. David Farnsworth. She and David dated for 2 years, and were married on August 16, 1996. Being Mrs. David Farnsworth was by far the best time in Bootie’s life. For 28 years, she and David enjoyed travel, fishing and even duck hunting together. Their home in Pass Christian, Mississippi, that she named Wild Azalea, was a dream come true for Bootie. She loved nothing better than to gather family at the table with family, friends and neighbors, sharing a meal and a funny story. It was her happiest place.

Bootie will be remembered for her sharp wit and sometimes even sharper tongue. When it came to her children, she was dedicated and determined. Her sense of adventure was present in all things, as was her sense of humor. Her smile was bright and her laugh was loud. Though she will be missed by friends and family alike, you can bet if you are listening to good music and enjoying good food, Bootie will be there, tapping her toe right along with you.

Bootie is preceded in death by her parents, Eloise Colcock Born and Thomas Westerfield Born. She is survived by her husband, David Miller Farnsworth, her children Susie Weston Davis (James), Thomas Hutson Weston (Amy), her step-children, Catherine Farnsworth Nowak (Mike), David Miller Farnsworth, Jr. (Lisa), Stephen McCloskey Farnsworth (Amy) and her 11 grandchildren: Meghan Clare Farnsworth, David Miller Farnsworth III, Ryan Patrick Farnsworth, Ann Eloise Davis, Jane Catherine Farnsworth, Helen Hayward Davis, Sean Thomas Weston, Carter McCloskey Farnsworth, Colin McCauley Farnsworth, Gavin Michael Nowak, William Simms Farnsworth.

On Friday, January 17 we will celebrate Bootie with a service at Trinity Episcopal Church at 125 Church Avenue in Pass Christian, Mississippi, 38571. No drab colors please. Put on your Sunday best, but make it bright!! Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to a reception at 3:00 at the home of Stephen and Amy Farnsworth: 25117 Lechene Drive, Pass Christian, MS 38571. 

Finally, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Nakanawa, The Nakanawa Fund, 1084 Camp Nakanawa Road, Crossville, TN, 38571. “Where symphonies of birds we hear, and friendships true, we make.”

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th St, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Eloise “Bootie” Farnsworth.