Alma Leolyn Thomas Boggan, age 100, joined her beloved husband, Clive (Jack) Bogganand her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 7th, 2024. She was an Angel here on earth to all who knew her. Alma touched the lives of everyone she met. Her beautiful smile, joy for life and her infectious laugh lasted her throughout her long life. She was an amazing mother to her three children, John, Nancy and Chuck and numerous others that considered her their second or adopted mom. She had many names… Alma, Amee, Mama Boggan, and Mother.
Alma was the second child born to Gene Carlton Thomas and Charlie Baker Thomas in Birmingham on May 31st, 1924. She was a sickly child having asthma and rheumatic fever. She went to Martin Elementary School, Phillips High School and graduated from Birmingham Southern College in 1945. She graduated with a degree in Pre-Med. She planned to be a doctor, but plans changed when she met the love of her life. While at Birmingham Southern she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and help start a chapter at Auburn University. After she finished college and Jack got out of the service, they married on July 17th, 1946. Alma became a medical technologist. She worked for a doctor for a period until the doctor decided to retire. It was then that her adopted sister, Amanda Ward, came to work with Alma and helped her raise her children. Alma was beginning to have more serious health issues after the birth of her first child, John. Through many trials and tribulations, a heart attack and a grim diagnosis, the doctors did not feel as though she would have a very long life. However, that decision was up to God not the doctors who predicted she wouldn't see her children start school. Nancy was born in 1949 and Chuck in 1952. Her biological family was complete. She went on to help so many more children and teens throughout her life with her volunteer work. She was President of the Board of Directors at Gateway (Mercy Home) and welcomed several children into her home from Gateway. Alma helped with the outreach program for troubled teens for many years receiving an Agonitzo Award for her commitment, time and service to the program. She also loved being a Girl Scout (Brownie) leader.
Alma was a lifelong resident of Birmingham. She contributed to the quality of life in the city and the state through her many volunteer programs helping young and old alike. She has been a member of East Lake United Methodist Church since 1951. She taught Sunday school for over 50 years. Alma served in most every capacity at the church even speaking from the pulpit on occasion. She was an outstanding public speaker and used her talents for many things but most of all giving book reviews for various organizations. One of her most loved groups were the senior citizens. She enjoyed giving humorous book reviews for them. Her civic volunteer activities and contributions to the community and the city were immense. She was nominated for Woman of the Year, Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Professional Businesswoman of the Year.
Alma’s many service-related activities covered numerous groups including the Red Cross, United Way, Heart Fund and the Salvation Army. One of her most rewarding works came when she served as Chaplain of the Salvation Army and then President of the Salvation Army auxiliary. When she was President, the Birmingham group had the largest membership of any other group of auxiliary members in the entire country. She was District president of the UMW, Vice President of her Palladian Literary Club, member of Eastwood Businesswomen’s Club, council member for the YWCA, President of the Women's Society of Christian Service, and a member and advisor for the VNA. She was on the Advisory Board for Community Schools, President of Barrett school PTA, President of Woodlawn High School PTA and Birmingham City Council PTA officer to the council as well as a State PTA officer. Her work and dedication to the city, state and national PTA earned her a lifetime membership award. She was an active member of the Alabama Coalition for Better Education, Vice president of the Eastern Health Association, member of the Mary Haislip Parliamentary Law unit and a member of the American Association of University Women. Alma became President of the United Methodist Center for Senior Citizens in 1987. She was also the chairperson of the New World Mission for the Methodist Church. She held State Office for the PTA Alabama Congress of Parents and Teachers from 1971 to 1973. She became Chairman of the Standing Committee on High School Service, and she was on the Professional Advisory Council to the Jefferson County Department of Health. Alma was also a member of the Advisory council for the Birmingham Board of Education. She was honored by the State School Superintendent for the work she did helping the Gate City Schools. She started a library at Gate City Elementary and helped tutor children. For many years during the summer, Alma taught Bible at Camp Winnataska until she and Jack fell in love with the beach. The rest is history.
Alma’s door was always open to people near and far. She hosted people from Thailand, Vietnam, France, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Zimbabwe, and Estonia. She and her husband welcomed children from the Mercy home, Children's Home in Selma and the Boys’ Industrial School into their home to be a part of their family. Some of these people have remained a part of the family still today.
Alma Boggan was a woman of great faith. She had endless enthusiasm for living life and an unending effort of doing for others. She absolutely loved to read. She would read for hours and hours. Her Bible was always close at hand and read frequently throughout the day. JOY was her special word. She served the Lord every day of her life. Jesus first. others second and yourself last. She shared that joy with anyone that came into her presence. She always said, “the Joy of the Lord is my strength.” One of her greatest joys was her family. She loved unconditionally. She hosted many family reunions. She loved to celebrate birthdays, holidays, any excuse to get together. Her family was so very important to her. Alma enjoyed two wonderful celebrations for
her for 100th birthday. She was amazed and touched by the outpouring of love. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Please continue to share her joy.
Alma was recently preceded in death by her husband, Clive (Jack) Boggan. They had been married over 77 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Gene Carlton Thomas, Charlie Baker Thomas, her 3 brothers, Alfred, John, Wade and their spouses.
Alma is survived by her children, John (Rachel) Boggan, Nancy(Dwight)Anderson, and Chuck(Joyce)Boggan. Her grandchildren are Jeff Anderson, Shawn Boggan, Alan(Jennifer)Anderson, Carlene(Jack) Worth, Charly(Chris) Murphree, and Austin(Elise) Anderson. Great-grandchildren are Kara( Michael) Moran, Randy(Halie) Turner, Kaleigh Murphree, Nadine (Jesse) Popee, Jack Carlton Boggan, Hollis Geeslin, Colt Murphree, Skylar Anderson, Clive and Eva Anderson. Alma has seven great grandchildren and a host of much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Neighbors and caregivers (Kaleigh, Athena and Joe) have all become family. A very special love goes to Courtenay Buchanan. We could not have made it without her.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Lake United Methodist Church, The Feeding Friends Program at the Church or your favorite charity.
The funeral will be Monday, July 15, 2024, at East Lake United Methodist Church with visitation from1-2 and the Celebration of Alma’s life at 2 P.M.
East Lake United Methodist Church
7753 1st Avenue South
Birmingham. AL 35206
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