ETTA M. BOGGS

Etta Mae Lester was born December 18, 1950, along with her twin sister Betty Ann, to Lura Mabel and John Daniel Lester, along with her sister Virginia Ellen in Pineville, West Virginia.

After Etta's father's death in 1964, she moved with her mother and twin sister to Woodbridge, Virginia, where she met and married her husband, Jack Boggs and had a daughter Laura Deana.

Etta demonstrated a deep love and kindness for animals and children.  Her talent as a crochet artist won numerous ribbons for her beautiful afghans.  She enjoyed crafting and wreath making with exceptional skills in bow making.  Her favorite season was Christmas as she was known to have large elaborate and beautiful Christmas trees with homemade ornaments.  She was also known to watch holiday movies all year long. Etta's fantasy fudge was renowned and coveted every holiday.  

Etta was the rare individual that could keep a secret.  She always preferred to meditate than to confront because she cared for feelings of everyone often overlooking her own.  Private and complex in her personal life but loved fiercely and had such a forgiving nature.  Etta loved to laugh and was strong enough to laugh at herself.  She would never allow herself to be mired down into depression and was known to tell you to put your "big girl panties on and get back to work."  Regret was something she didn't give into.  Etta was beautiful inside and out, accepting of what life could give her but asked for very little in return.  She gave so much more than she received.

Etta lived and worked over 40 years in Virginia and retired as a payroll specialist from Fairfax County Government.  She was devoted, intelligent and owned a strong work ethic.  Upon retirement, Etta and her husband Jack moved to Tennessee in 2013.  After Covid in 2021, Etta was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and attempted to qualify for a lung transplant.  It was unfortunately not to be and she progressively declined as time went on and her lungs failed to function.

Etta passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, peacefully in her sleep. She was a member of East Rogersville Baptist Church.  Etta was a devoted Christian who loved Jesus and had strong religious beliefs. She was a devoted daughter, caring sister, loving wife, and amazing mother.  Etta was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lura Vance Lester.

Survivors include her husband Jack Boggs, daughter Laura Deana McMillan of Morristown, sisters, Betty Schmalenberg of Jonesborough and Ellen Jones of Dandridge, along with extended family and friends.

Family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in the chapel of Broome Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 7:00 p.m., July 16, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Rick Dinkins officiating.

Committal service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Hamblen Memory Gardens Mausoleum, 5421 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy, Morristown, TN.  For those that wish to attend the committal service please meet at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m.

Online condolences may be made to www.broomefuneralhome.com

The staff of Broome Funeral Home is honored to serve the Boggs family

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of ETTA M. BOGGS, please visit our floral store.