ELGENA RODGERS

A Time to Be Born
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Elgena Rodgers was born on January 31, 1942, in Tylertown, Mississippi, to the late Margaret and Ellis “Bit” Fortenberry. At an early age, she accepted Christ and began her lifelong walk with the Lord at a local church in Tylertown, Mississippi. Elgena was a proud graduate of Salem High School in 1961. After completing her education, she relocated to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where she met and married the love of her life, Jimmy Rodgers, Sr. From this union, she was blessed with four beautiful children, to whom she devoted her life as a loving and faithful wife and mother. Known for her servant’s heart, Elgena ministered to her community, especially the youth, through hospitality and nourishment, sharing love through warm meals and open arms. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. Mary Church of God in Christ, now known as Gethsemane Institutional Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Superintendent Kippy Paige, Sr. At the time of her earthly transition, she served honorably as a Church Mother, a role she fulfilled with dignity, wisdom, and grace.

A Time to Be Welcomed
“A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
~ Ecclesiastes 3:2

As Elgena entered eternal rest and passed through Heaven’s gates, she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Jimmy Rodgers, Sr.; her parents, Margaret and Ellis Fortenberry; her brothers, Bernust and Billy Ray Fortenberry; her daughter, Sharon Denise Garrett; and her daughter-in-law, Latrena T. Rodgers.

A Time to Mourn
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:4

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we give thanks to God for a life well lived and a job well done. Elgena leaves behind a legacy of love to be cherished by her devoted children: her eldest son, Jimmy Rodgers; her daughter, Christine (Donald Howze) Rodgers; and her youngest son, Travis Rodgers, Sr., son-in-law Raffort Garrett (Fort Worth, TX). She also leaves to treasure her memory four beloved grandchildren: Teresa (Damion) Polk, Rachel Garrett of Fort Worth, Texas, Celia Rodgers of Boston, Massachusetts, and Travis Rodgers, Jr.; and two precious great-grandsons, Estavian and Sirage Polk. Elgena’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of her loving sister, Geneva Hoye; her brother, Annias Fortenberry; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family members, and dear friends.

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