Ms. Sara Nervilla Boggs, of Onancock, passed away Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, at the age of 98. Born Aug. 16, 1921, at the family home in Finney’s Wharf, Onancock, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Littleton Boggs and Annie Sue Reaston Boggs.
Following high school, Ms. Boggs enrolled at Mary Washington College. After two years at MWC, she relocated to Norfolk, Va., to pursue a career with the FBI. Ms. Boggs worked for the FBI for 36 years, retiring as the head of administration for Virginia’s Eastern District. Ms. Boggs was raised in a Christian home, whose heritage is linked to the father of American Presbyterianism, Francis Makemie, as descendants of his nephew, William Boggs. She and her family attended Andrew’s Chapel United Methodist Church, and she later became a member of Market Street United Methodist Church. Over the last 24 years, Ms. Boggs made her home at the Hermitage on the Eastern Shore, now Commonwealth Senior Living, where she kept busy running the café and playing cards and was well known for her late-night jigsaw puzzle creations. Ms. Boggs defied the odds for women in her ‘day’ with her decision to attend college, and especially, in her professional accomplishments. She remained strong willed and independent throughout her life, and undoubtedly left her mark on the world.
Survivors include her sister, Sue Boggs Mason and husband, Norman, of Finney’s Wharf; brother, Edward Lee Boggs and wife, Marianne, of Minnesota; and ten nieces and nephews, and their families. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Edna Boggs Daley; brother, Ralph Thomas Boggs; infant brother, Joseph Littleton Boggs; and two nieces.
The family will gather for a private burial at the Onancock Cemetery Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service at Commonwealth Senior Living with the Rev. Robert Fletcher officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Francis Makemie Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 680, Accomac, VA 23301.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
