Lucille Hoback Boggess

Lucille Hoback Boggess

Lucille Hoback Boggess died on Wednesday, November 19th, at the age of 96.

Born to Macie Robertson and John Hoback, she was one of seven remarkable siblings: Bedford, Mabel, Elsie, Raymond, Rachel, Lucille, and Cecil.

After graduating from Bedford High School, and while attending Phillips Business College, two big events happened. First, she married Ralph Boggess (who probably had no idea where this would take him), and second, she began working in the Commissioner of the Revenue's office, starting over 60 years of service to Bedford County.

In 1967, she was elected Commissioner of the Revenue, the first woman elected to countywide office in Bedford. In 1991, she retired, only to unretire to run for the Board of Supervisors, and was the first woman to serve on that body.

Starting in the 1980s, survivors of the D-Day landing began to talk about their service there and all that they endured during those horrific days. And as their meetings became more frequent and formalized, honorary kid sister Lucille was there. Then the 50th anniversary commemoration in 1994 cemented the resolve to create a memorial for those who were lost during the Normandy campaign. Ultimately, this led to building the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, and the dedication by President George W. Bush in 2001. Lucille served on its founding board, and remained a faithful advocate and supporter. Not just to honor her brothers Bedford and Raymond and the rest of the Bedford Boys, but all who were lost during those fateful days.

Her marriage to Ralph lasted nearly 60 years, cut short by his death in 2007. She is survived by her children: Carl (Lynn), Ann (Dwayne), John (Ryan), and David (Robin). She is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, former tax customers, and fans around the world.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 25th from 4 to 6 at Tharp Funeral Home, with services at Bedford Baptist Church on Wednesday at 2. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. And the best gift you can give to honor Lucille would be a donation to the D-Day Memorial (dday.org).

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory