Tavaris Dewane Boone

Tavaris Dewane Boone, age 46, of Watervliet, NY 12189, was the beloved son of Patricia Durham and the late Steve Boone. Born on March 10, 1978, in Newburgh, NY, Tavaris passed away on September 13, 2024, surrounded by his cherished family and friends.

Tavaris was preceded in death by his loving father Steve Boone, maternal grandparents Devell Durham Sr. and Ruth Parker-Green, paternal grandparents Martin Boone and Edna Boone, and brother Anthony Boone. Tavaris leaves to mourn, his beautiful wife Kansinya “KC” Boone- Watervliet, NY; two daughters: Asianna and Takiyah- Watervliet, NY; his loving mother Patricia Durham (Normal, Illinois); stepmother Donna “Stephanie” Boone- Fayetteville, NC; father and mother-in-law Andrew (Christine) Lewis- Troy, NY; one brother Damien Boone (Lakenia)- Douglasville, GA; one sister Natasha Boone, Fayetteville, NC; aunts and uncles: Wanda Durham- Tampa, FL; Devell Durham Jr (Tina)- Clayton, NC; Tony Durham- Dallas, TX; Mary Winston (Clifford) - Montgomery, AL; Debra Ann Boone- Whitsett, NC; Anthony “Jasmine” Boone (Tina)- Fort Mill, SC; Arlisa Eggleston (Charles)-Fayetteville, NC; Onita Boone- Germany; and three beloved friends: Shajuan Beauford (Crystal)- Fort Worth, TX; Andre’ Tucker (Heather)- Schenectady, NY; Samuel “Butch” Rhames (Dana)- Schenectady, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

 Tavaris attended New Life Christian Academy before graduating  from Schenectady High School in 1996. He continued his  education at Hudson Valley Community College, earning an Associate’s in Applied Science. Tavaris had a passion for driving and was thrilled when he received his CDL-B. At the time of his passing, he was employed with Wildwood Programs and Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. Tavaris was known for his big heart and his ability to connect with everyone he met. His dedication and drive were evident in his accomplishments, and he never allowed his weight or others' opinions to hold him back from achieve his goals.

Tavaris and Kansinya Charmine Lewis’ (KC) love story began in 2008. Both Tavaris and Kansinya were employed through the same place of employment and would go on daily “lunch” dates together. It was there that Tavaris realized that KC had “caviar taste with food stamp money.” After Tavaris’ departure from said place of employment, Tavaris did not hesitate to call and let KC know that “you can date me  now because I am no longer your co-worker.” Their first date,three different Pizza Hut pizzas and a massage. That sealed the deal! From there, their love for one another only intensified.Tavaris and Kansinya were united in holy matrimony on April 18, 2016. That was the best day of their lives!! From that day  forward Kansinya was no longer Kansinya Lewis, but Kansinya  Boone. Eight loving years married but together for 17 years. 

Throughout the years, their love had stood the test of time! Tavaris was an amazing father to their two beautiful children Asianna and Takiyah! He loved, spoiled, protected, and cared for them, like the “hero” he was. Babycakes (Asianna) and Muffin Head (Takiyah), Daddy will always love you! His memory will always live on in your hearts!

Tavaris’ first love was the love that he had for his mother and the love that she had for her son. A mother’s love never fades away, it only increases throughout life. From his first steps and first words spoken to his first day of Kindergarten, Tavaris knew that his Mom would be by his side, to love, hold, and protect him every step of the way. There’s a very special bond between a Mother and her Son, A closeness that grows deep throughout the years. It’s marked by tender moments, crazy antics, quiet talks and strengthened as you share your hopes and fears. It forms and develops very early in life. When he’s unsure, she says, “Yes, you can!” The bond remains unbroken, growing stronger every day. Stronger until her little boy became a man. Then as they both grew older, little things began to change… Life completed its circle, though at times it may seem strange. For in her heart there’s only one, their journey’s just begun. I Love You Momma!!!

Tavaris had a love for his family! At times, he may have thought that life had cheated him, due to life’s detours, but he soon came to realize the advantages that other cousins did not have. Tavaris was able to experience the love and care from each integral family member, including his maternal Grandmother, Aunt Wanda (who sacrificed to raise Tavaris from a young boy into a man), his hero and first male positive role model Uncle Devell Durham Jr. (a.k.a. Uncle Bo), and Aunt Mary (who always believed in him and encouraged him to be a better, healthier individual). Thank you, Uncle Bo, for continuously mentoring Tavaris in a positive manner. Your dedication to improving Tavaris’ relationship with his father and other family members, gave him a better perspective, sense of forgiveness, and a deeper understanding of the importance of love for God and family. 

Finally, through the village that helped raise Tavaris, his relationship with his father had evolved, in knowing that God had truly taught Tavaris, to cherish the bond that was formed between him and his earthly father. Tavaris was a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, who would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He was lovable, a Rock, a Protector of his family and friends, and a great dad to his children. Tavaris was a gentle giant, full of life, who never met a stranger. Tavaris was a people person. He commanded a room and always wanted to make people laugh.

Tavaris was quite the intellect, who loved numbers, money, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team! He never passed up a debate about sports. He knew each team's statistics and team players from thisyear, last year, and beyond. Tavaris would have countless conversations with Rondine, Butch, Juan, Andre, Ra, and P about sports, team stats, what they’re going to place bets on, etc. Tavaris touched the lives of many people over the years. However, there are too many names to list! A brother's love will never fade away. A brother’s love will always exist. Tavaris knew he had brothers to turn to, when times becamerough, brothers who were there for him, in everything he did. This brought such comfort to Tavaris, a treasure to be sure, it made the problems he faced much easier to endure. When he felt joyful, taking everything in stride, it was uplifting to share his laughter, with his brothers by his side. Though words are never enough, Tavaris felt blessed to have y’all, always by his side, as brothers and as friends. 

“Let brotherly love continue.” Hebrews 13:1 (KJV)

Family and friends are invited to gather remembrance of Tavaris during the visitation on September 21, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at New Comer Cremations & Funerals in Watervliet, located at 181 Troy-Schenectady Rd. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at the same location from 11:00 AM to1:00 PM. The day will conclude with a graveside service at Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy, NY, starting at 1:45 PM