Ruby Mae Bogger Palmer peacefully entered eternal rest on the morning of November 21, 2025, under the attentive care of her daughter and granddaughter in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born in Sumter County, South Carolina, on March 16, 1940, to Arthur and Ethel Lee Bowman Bogger. A few years later, the family relocated to Williamsburg, Virginia.
After attending Bruton Heights School, Ruby found employment at Eastern State Hospital, where she remained for over forty years, starting as a receptionist and in the last two decades of her tenure, she was a mail distributor. Ruby joined the Historic First Baptist Church in her early years and renewed her commitment later in life after living and worshipping in Newport News. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who also found time to call or spend quality time with her nieces and nephews.
Ruby was a very beloved soul who was fortunate to have numerous loyal friends during her life journey. She loved to travel, especially on bus trips with friends. She enjoyed visiting her brothers and their wives in Chesapeake. Ruby was known to have the most remarkable luck—not just in attracting friends, but in other measurable ways. Linda Howard noted that “…perhaps her good fortunes were manifestations of the fact that she was a kind and generous soul who shared her blessings with others.”
Ruby enjoyed meeting new people and identifying with like-minded individuals who had a positive attitude and embraced community uplift. Thus, for more than forty years, she worked and socialized with members of the Colonial Temple #380, Improved, Benevolent, and Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOEW). In recognition of her four decades of membership, she was named a legacy member. In the church, Ruby served as a member of the Retirees and Missionary Ministries.
She was predeceased by her father, Arthur Bogger, Sr.; mother, Ethel Lee Bogger; son, Todd Palmer; grandson, Tracy Palmer, Jr.; brother, Arthur Bogger, Jr.; sisters, Betty Ray Bogger Willis and Mary E. Skinner.
Her precious memories will forever be cherished by her sons, Larry Bogger, Tracy Palmer, and Barry Palmer; daughter, Pier A. Palmer; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; her brothers, Tommy L. Bogger (Nan) and Dennis S. Bogger (Jacqueline); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and caring friends. Her nephew, Damon Bogger, Nurturing Nurses Home Care, Bettye Walker, Colette D. Roots, and Reverend Julie Grace deserve a heartfelt thanks. Ruby was very grateful to her children; especially, Barry, who adhered to her wish that she would not be sent to a nursing home.
