Aurellia Mitchell Boaz
Aurellia Mitchell Boaz, 84, died on September 13, 2014.
She was born on Nov. 27, 1929, in Hallsboro, N.C., and was christened Albert Aurellia Elizabeth Mitchell. She was the daughter of the late Sim C. and Bertha M. Mitchell and the widow of the late Dr. Lonnie R. Boaz, Jr.
Aurellia received her early education at Artesia School in her hometown and graduated from Whiteville Negro High School in Whiteville, N.C. In 1945, she continued her education at Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, in Hampton, Va. She graduated in 1949 at the age of 19 with a bachelor of science degree in Mathematics.
Aurellia and the late Lonnie Roy Boaz, Jr. met while both were students at Hampton Institute and they were married in 1949. To this union, three children were born, a daughter, Valerie, and two sons, Lonnie III and Andre’.
In January, 1950, Aurellia embarked on a challenging career as a research mathematician at the Langley Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, now NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) at Langley Field, Va. During her work at Langley Laboratory, she was involved with mathematical research calculations essential to applications in engine and aircraft design and testing. Aurellia continued to work at Langley Field while her husband, Lonnie, was away attending medical school in Washington, D.C.
In 1956, after her husband completed his medical internship in Winston-Salem, N.C., Lonnie, Aurellia and daughter, Valerie, moved to Chattanooga where Lonnie had relatives. While in Chattanooga, two sons, Lonnie III and Andre’ were born. Aurellia taught one year in the Chattanooga school system and then devoted herself to her family and raising her children.
With her great interest in education and computer technology innovations, Aurellia decided to pursue study at Chattanooga State Technical Community College, (now Chattanooga State Community College). In 1975, she graduated magna cum laude with an associate of science degree in Data Processing Technology. She started working at Provident (now UNUM) Insurance Company in 1976 as a computer programmer. Aurellia was a systems analyst when she took early retirement in 1987.
Aurellia had a strong Christian faith that guided her throughout her life. After moving to Chattanooga, Aurellia was a longtime member of Fairview Presbyterian Church where she was ordained as an elder and served as Clerk of Session. She then became a member of the merged congregation of Renaissance Presbyterian Church. Later, she joined Northminster Presbyterian Church largely due to the friendships she cultivated through the years.
Her past affiliations include “MRS” and “Club after Six” bridge clubs, the National Medical Association Auxiliary, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society Alliance, Jack and Jill of America and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Silhouettes. At the time of her death, Aurellia was a member of the Grand Slammers Bridge Club and the National Hampton University Alumni Association. She was a devoted “Hamptonian” and a member of the Class of 1949. After their 50th class reunion at the University, her class was committed to continuing the camaraderie they enjoyed in school. Individual class members began to host annual class retreats in various states. Aurellia hosted the 2005 retreat in Chattanooga and in addition, was instrumental in planning several retreats and the class cruise in 2012. Aurellia was proud that she attended all of these annual retreats until her illness this year.
Aurellia is best remembered for her quiet, gentle and sweet personality. She was always very pleasant and ready to greet you with her big pretty smile and a hug. She touched the lives of so many people and loved keeping in touch with her relatives, friends, coworkers and church members. Frequently when her children were out, someone would ask, “How’s your mother?”
Aurellia was preceded in death by her parents, Sim C. and Bertha M. Mitchell, brother, James Mitchell and husband, Dr. Lonnie R. Boaz, Jr.
She is survived by her children, Valerie A. Boaz, M.D., Lonnie R. (Emie) Boaz, III, M.D. and Andre’ M. (Phyllis) Boaz of Chattanooga; foster daughter, Mary (Oliver) Baker, of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Ashley and Alexis Boaz of Chattanooga; Tiffany (Terrance) Collins of Killeen, Tx.; Brittney (Terrance) Graves and Courtney Mason of Chattanooga; and great-grandchildren, Phillip Mason and Andrew Bryce Graves, both of Chattanooga; and MaKenzie, MaKaiya and Terrance, Jr. Collins of Killeen, Tx. Her surviving siblings are LTC (Ret.) John W. (Helen) Mitchell of Clinton, Md., LTC (Ret.) Sim C. (Hazel) Mitchell of Fort Washington, Md., Thetus (Charles) Boyd of Washington, D.C., and Doshia Burton of Lutherville, Md. In addition, Aurellia is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and very dear friends.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga and ArKridge HomeCare LLC for their tender loving care provided to Aurellia during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Aurellia Mitchell Boaz and Lonnie Roy Boaz, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund.” Checks should be made to “Hampton University” indicating in the note section of the check it is for the “Boaz Endowed Sch. Fund.” Contributions should be mailed to the Office of Development, Hampton University, Hampton, Va. 23668
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 4791 Hal Drive, Chattanooga, Tn., with the Reverend Laura Becker officiating. The burial will be immediately after the funeral at Forest Hills Cemetery.
The body will lie in state at John P. Franklin Funeral Home after noon on Friday, Sept. 19, and at the church on Saturday, Sept. 20, one hour prior to the funeral.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn., 622-9995.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn., 622-9995.