Linnie May Boatman, 75, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, with family and friends by her side.

She was born April 30, 1938 in Allentown, PA. After graduating from Amity High School, she attended Lee University in Cleveland, TN. Upon graduating she went on a missions trip to Cat Island, Bahamas to share her faith. She spent her entire life sharing her faith. Her life radiated it.

When she was in her 30s she was set up on a blind date with Clarence Boatman who later became her husband and partner until her death. She moved to Escalon in 1976. She loved her community and always had a heart for the children in it. She taught Release Time and Rainbows for many years at Escalon First Assembly. Her passion was always for children and although she only had two biological children she had many “heart” children. Everyone knew her as “Nana” and she was always seen cruising around town on her red scooter, usually with a kid or two hitching a ride on the back.

A two time breast cancer survivor, even during chemo she never missed her grandkids’ sporting events. She had her bald head painted with Escalon Outlaws colors and her grandson’s number at his game.

Survivors include her husband, Clarence Boatman; their son Nathanael (Rachael) and their daughter Michelle (Johnnie), all of Escalon; stepdaughter Sheila Boatman of Oakdale; best friend Diane Bice of Riverbank; a small army of grandchildren, many ‘heart children,’ countless ‘heart grandchildren’ and a community of close-knit church family who mourn her loss.

She was loved by everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed. The only thing she loved more than her family was her Jesus. Her faith was unwavering. People called her at all hours of the day or night to have her pray; she was definitely a prayer warrior.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 29 at 1 p.m. at Sanchez Park in Escalon.

Her wishes were to have a celebration with bounce houses for the kids and contributions have made that possible, along with food and beverages. All are invited to come, bring a side dish to share if you choose, and celebrate “Nana’s” life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Susan G Komen Foundation, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265; or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or donate online.