Ella Rogers

We gather to honor and cherish the life of one of God’s most precious angels, Ella H. Rogers, who on Sunday, November 3, 2024, Jesus Christ welcomed His angel into His heavenly kingdom. Ella was born to Stanford Spinks, Sr., and Odella M. Dues Spinks in Beckley, West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry E. Rogers Sr., her son, Christopher Rogers, both her parents, and her brother, Stanford "June" Spinks, Jr.

She attended schools in Beckley and raised her hand to say "yes" and went on to serve her country in the United States Air Force in 1963, where she served as a PBX operator. She was joined in holy matrimony to Larry Elliott Rogers, Sr., her “childhood sweetheart" for thirty-one years and to this union, three children were born. After her service in the Air Force and with her husband in the Army, she always traveled. Ella was a leader, whether as a softball coach who led her team to championships across Germany, to her many commitments in Spring Lake with Community Watch, American Legion, Offender Aid and Restoration, an active member of the Eastern Star and Cumberland County Schools, where she was a school bus driver and same day elementary school teacher. Interestingly, the pint-sized, powerhouse never had a problem with any student on the bus or inside the classroom. She enjoyed teaching and being an encourager and mentor to so many. Believing in all things education, Ella is recognized today by the countless number of students, who are now parents and grandparents, whom she has taught over the years. A smile would come to her face when she ran into someone who would remind her that they were one of her students.

Her continued service with the military landed at the Volunteer Services Department of the Fayetteville Veterans Administration where she served for 19 years. Everyone knew the 4’11” volunteer who greeted each soldier with respect as they walked into the VA for their various appointments, not to mention her comical remarks from her colleagues who admired how she parked her Smart Car and made a parking space "when there was none."

Her beautiful life will be forever cherished with precious memories by her daughter; Penny Lauricella, and husband Richard of Raleigh, NC, son; Larry E. Rogers, Jr., and friend, Anita Stanley of Myrtle Beach, SC, grandchildren; Steven Lauricella (Raleigh, NC), Kaos Rogers and mother, Patrina Murphy (Fayetteville, NC), April Spruill and August Spruill (Durham, NC), Tangela Mitchell (New York, NY), Jasmine Thomas (Fayetteville, NC), Sysha Ray (Florida); and a host of relatives and friends.

Ella Rogers was instrumental in the city of Spring Lake. A trusted mentor and devotee of "doing the right thing" and camaraderie as head organizer of Spring Lake Fellowship Days. After the property for use was no longer available, she insisted it continued and held in her very, large back yard. When she wanted something done, she made it so; everything from extra pick-up sites of household goods after a hurricane to the permanent covered bench locations throughout Spring Lake bus stops.

Animals- yes, she was fur mother of 14 Chihuahuas, 1 rabbit (Bunny) and miniature pig (Piggy). There were always a swarm of four legged animals at the Rogers household and they all knew their names. At her home when troops were soon to be deployed it was no accident to find a new dog with a crate, dog food and compassionate letter to take care of their fur loved one as she had a reputation of the "lady on the corner with all the dogs!"

Her earthly presence will be missed and she has certainly left a legacy of helping our fellow man, supporting the community and speaking up for those who have no voice and challenging any wrongdoing she was aware of.

Sleep on Mother, take your rest.
We certainly love you, but God loves you best. Amen