News Summary
Doris Lyon Boggs, a dedicated mother and community servant, has passed away at 89. Remembered for her compassion and service, Doris’s legacy of faith and love will continue to inspire her family and friends.
Columbia, South Carolina – The community is mourning the recent passing of Doris Lyon Boggs, a devoted mother and faithful servant, who passed away at the age of 89. Doris was beloved by her family and friends for her compassionate spirit and her extensive contributions to faith and community service throughout her life.
Doris Lyon Boggs was born on November 14, 1933, in Ludington, Michigan, to parents Morris and Elida Lyon. She was the youngest of two children, preceded in death by her only sibling, Muriel Lyon Johnson, and her daughter Elizabeth Boggs Garvin, who passed away in 2019. Doris was also preceded in death by her husband Frank Ivy Boggs, who passed away in 2021. She is survived by her daughter Catherine Boggs Hoecke, her son-in-law Wilfried Carl Hoecke, grandchildren Joshua Garvin, Karl Hoecke, Franklin Hoecke and his wife Emily, Anna Hoecke, and two great-grandchildren, Mercy and Eden Hoecke. Additional survivors include her son-in-law James Garvin (Martha) from Canton, Georgia, along with nieces Lynn Johnson Holowasko (Scott) and Megan Marie Johnson, and their families from Florida.
Throughout her life, Doris was recognized for her inner and outer beauty, values her family holds dear. In 4th grade, she began playing the violin in the Ludington High School orchestra and later switched to the clarinet. By junior high, she became the first chair violinist, highlighting her talent in music. Doris received a music scholarship to Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, where she pursued a Bachelor’s in Education, specializing in Music and Physical Education. While at Stetson, she developed a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, significantly influenced by her college friend Bettye Jean.
After graduating, Doris was hired to direct Physical Education at a YMCA in Daytona, Florida. It was at a Baptist Student Ministry camp that she met her future husband Frank Boggs. Their relationship blossomed through letters, leading to an engagement that Doris viewed as divinely inspired, despite initial reluctance to marry. The couple tied the knot in 1957 in Tallahassee, Florida, and began an adventurous life together, including a honeymoon in Europe shortly afterward.
The Boggs home became a nurturing center for relationship-building and ministry. Doris and Frank were heavily involved in their church communities, hosting Frank’s four choirs from First Baptist Church Tallahassee and participating in children’s ministries. Doris led music, scripture lessons, and enjoyed fostering spiritual growth among children. She played an essential role in implementing the Child Evangelism Fellowship curriculum in Atlanta’s churches, influencing both local and international congregants, many of whom embraced Christianity under their guidance.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Doris and Frank contributed significantly to the Jesus Movement by collaborating with various Christian organizations. Doris deepened her faith through Bible study sessions led by Kay Arthur, eventually becoming a Precept leader. While Frank dedicated approximately 23 years to Westminster Schools, Doris took on creative endeavors by designing costumes for school productions and sewing clothing for her daughters. Additionally, she later managed an international Aloe Vera health and beauty company based on her belief in its beneficial properties.
In 2010, Doris and Frank retired and relocated to Lenbrook in Buckhead, Georgia, and later found solace in Columbia, South Carolina, enjoying a quieter life and the area’s natural beauty. Even after their move, Doris remained dedicated to her faith community and continued to attend First Baptist Atlanta services online. Her commitment to spreading the Gospel and nurturing relationships never wavered, leaving a legacy of love and faith that her family cherishes deeply.
A celebration of Doris’ life is set to include a graveside service in Texas, a visitation in South Carolina, and a memorial service in Atlanta. Family members and friends reflect on Doris’ profound contributions to her community and the impact she had through her unwavering service and love.
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