THELMA WILSON ROGERS
Thelma Wilson Rogers was born on Nov. 23, 1936, in Lee County, to the late Mingo Tony and Bella Wilson. She entered her eternal home on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Howard County General Hospital, Columbia, Maryland.
Thelma, "Coot," as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was baptized at New Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishopville. She was an active member of the Stewardess Board 10 and Missionary Unit 4, until her health declined. Thelma was educated in the public schools of Lee County. She fell in love and married the late Eugene Rogers Sr. From this union, they were blessed with six children, Edwin, Robert Eugene Jr., Charlie Lee, who preceded her in death, James Lee, Vivian and Willie, who also preceded her in death. Thelma was the matriarch of her family.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory: one daughter, Vivian (Timothy) Nichols of Laurel, Maryland; three sons, Edwin (Betty) Rogers of Sumter, and Robert Eugene (Esthervina) Rogers Jr. and James Lee (Anita) Rogers, both of Mayesville; a devoted and caring brother-in-law, Sam Branch of Goldsboro, North Carolina; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to those who cared for their mother: Special thanks to Rosemary Rogers, who cared for our mom from November 2015 through November 2017, prior to her moving to Maryland with her daughter and son-in-law. Rosemary brought so much joy to our mother and it never mattered what time we needed her. She was always at our mom's beck and call; she was truly God sent to our family and we are forever grateful. Valerie Johnson, her niece, who cared for her with love, care, and concern at all times from November 2017 to September 2018. Valerie was a treasured blessing and the family thanks her for all the care and love she provided. We love and thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Val. We also lovingly acknowledge Cecelia Dennis, who was my mom's caregiver through her last days. CeCe tenderly cared for our mother from September 2018 through January 2019; our family gained a very warm and caring person, who was devoted to our mother as if she was her own. You are all more than caregivers, you are our angels, now and forever.
Public viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.
Mrs. Rogers will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at New Zion AME Church, 78 Elliott Highway, Bishopville, SC 29010 with Pastor Archie Temoney officiating. Interment will follow at New Zion Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at 131 Lower Lee School Road, Bishopville, SC 29010.
Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.
Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.