Peggy Boggs

Ella Margaret “Peggy” Boggs, 93, of Brevard, NC passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021, at Givens Estates in Asheville. She was born on May 19, 1928 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late  William Roberts and Ella Margaret Boddie Wiggins. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband; William Grayson Boggs, 2000, a son; William Grayson Boggs, Jr. 2008, three brothers; William Roberts Wiggins, Jr., Needham Boddie Wiggins, and John Battle Wiggins.

She is survived by three children; John S. Boggs (Anita) of Arden, NC, Betsy Boggs Shepherd (Scott) of Clermont, FL., Richard N. Boggs (Libby) of Greensboro, NC, four grandchildren; Katy Countiss (Daniel), Sally Greene (Danny), Diana Shepherd (Wes), Rebekah Allison (Collin) and six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Margaret grew up in Norfolk, attending Larchmont Elementary School and graduating from Maury High School. With her three older brothers, she was formed in the faith at the downtown Epworth Methodist Church. She attended Greensboro College for two years, then graduated in 1950 with a degree in Home Economics from Madison College, (now James Madison University). After WW II, she met and married William G. Boggs from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, who affectionately called her “Peggy.” After brief years in Danville, Virginia and Wilmington, Delaware, Bill and Peggy Boggs moved to Brevard in 1957. With three young children, Billy, Johnny, and Betsy, Peggy became a fulltime homemaker in support of her husband’s job with E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company. Her fourth child, Ricky, was born after moving from Rice Street to their long-time home on Hawthorne Drive.

The Boggs family was the last one to begin attending the Brevard Methodist Church in the old building on the hill near the Transylvania County courthouse and the first one to join in the present location. Peggy chaired the Commission on Missions, but mostly served in children’s ministry, chairing the children’s division, lining up Sunday school teachers and chairing the board of the FUMC weekday school. Peggy and her husband were youth counselors for 8 years and chaperones for youth choir tours several times. As local church worship chairperson, she delighted in seasonal decorations, especially Advent and Christmas, and enjoyed making boxwood wreaths for the church doors. She helped start the Moravian Love Feast tradition on Christmas Eve. Whether in the sanctuary or kitchen, many will remember her directing weddings, hosting receptions, or helping with Wednesday night suppers, all with a spirit of gracious hospitality. She had an artistic eye for arranging table flowers and serving refreshments on silver trays. Around Brevard, Peggy became the first president of Transylvania Garden Club, and later belonged to High Hills Garden Club before transferring back to Transylvania. She was active in a bridge club and the Transylvania Wednesday Club. Even before son Bill’s staff employment at Brevard Music Center, Peggy was a season ticket holder. She was a den mother with Cub Pack 711, and a weekday school teacher of 3 year olds at First Baptist Church. She enrolled her own children in Transylvania County public schools, served as a room mother and participated in PTA. She supported her children in the BHS Marching Band. Long before the internet, she wanted community children to have quality learning materials, and began selling World Book Encyclopedias and Childcraft.

A memorial service for Peggy Boggs will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 24, 2021 at First United Methodist Church of Brevard, NC with Rev. Mike Holder and Rev. Kerry Purselle officiating. A reception will follow immediately in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice, especially to organizations that bring beauty and education to Transylvania County - First United Methodist Church, 325 N. Broad St., Brevard, NC 28712, (hospitality/ worship), Brevard Music Center, P O Box 312, Brevard, NC 28712 (facility enhancement), Brevard College, 1 Brevard College Dr., Brevard, NC 28712, (John S. Boggs scholarship which she and Bill established), or the Transylvania Garden Club.

To leave a condolence or memory for the family of Margaret “Peggy” Boggs, visit “Tributes” at www.moore-fh.com. Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.