Erma Whitaker Henry Bockoven died December 5, 2022 having lived an incredible and full life. She was born on November 17, 1927 to Doyle M. and Jessie Johnson Whitaker of Norton. VA.  Raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, she graduated from Dobyns -Bennett High School in 1945.  She attended the Mary Washington College of The University of Virginia and graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1949.  She then began her career at Research Labs at Tennessee Eastman Corporation, Kingsport, Tenn.

She was married to Beverly Z Henry, Jr., NACA/NASA, on June 15, 1950.  They settled in Hampton VA where she was a proud charter member and past president of the Pembroke Garden Club.  She served as warden of St. John's Episcopal Church of Hampton and was care representative to the National Cathedral Association from Diocese of Southern Virginia.  Erma and BZ were married 36 years, until his death on August 29, 1986.

Erma was married to Frederic Thomas Bockoven, Lt. Col US Army (Retired) on February 25, 1995.  They shared a love of travel and were blessed to visit numerous countries together and with extended family.  Erma and Fred had been married 25 years when Fred passed away on October 20, 2020.

Erma enjoyed using her time to serve others and held many such roles, including  President of Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Southern Virginia; Member of Trustees, Boys Home of Covington VA; Water Safety Instructor, York County Red Cross; Former President Chapter A Virginia PEO.

She is survived by her two sons Michael Henry (Diane), and Greg Henry (Vicki); grandchildren, Cristin Henry, Carlyn Menser (Jamey), and Ben Henry (Jill); great-grandchildren Wyatt, Willow, Penny and Iris; and Frederic's children and grandchildren, Marti Sturm (Paul), Neil Bockoven (Denise), Mark, Andy, and Jenna (Bonham), Alison, Eric, Scott, and Ryan.

In addition to her husbands, she was also preceded in death by her grandson Charles M. Henry Jr.

A memorial service will be held on December 22, 2022 at 11 A.M., St. John's Episcopal Church, Hampton, VA.

The family suggests memorial gifts to be made to Boys Home of Virginia 414 Boys Home Road Covington, VA 24426.