Betty Ethel Ferge Rodgers

Betty Ethel Ferge Rodgers, daughter of the late Edwin August Ferge and Julie Ethel Pittman Ferge, was born Sunday, October 8, 1939, in Fayette County, TN and departed this life on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at NHC of Somerville, at the age of 84 years, 8 months and 11 days.

On February 1, 1958, she was united in marriage to Mr. John Thomas Rodgers who also preceded in death on January 26, 1996, following 37 years of marriage.  Mr. Rodgers retired from Colonial Bakery in Memphis and she worked for Stepherson's Grocery.  While in Memphis, she was a member of Leawood Baptist Church. They returned to live in Fayette County, in the mid-1990's, near Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where she was also a member.  

She worked hard rearing her family and, when the need arose for her to be able to drive her children to school, got her driver's license at age 26. She even found time to finish her high school education, receiving her GED at age 33.  In her leisure time, Mrs. Rodgers enjoyed sewing, reading (especially her Bible), and gospel music.  A devout Christian, she also was active at church where she kept the nursery for many years.  She most enjoyed spending time with her family, whom she dearly loved.

She leaves her daughter, Debra Morris (Jeff) of Bartlett, TN; two sons, Tommy Rodgers (Lola) of Whiteville and Eddie Rodgers of Memphis; four grandchildren, Nikki Romaine of Memphis, Julie Rodgers of Whiteville, April Morris of Birmingham, AL and Amanda Fryman (Alex) of Jackson, MO; three step-grandchildren, Kevin Hopkins of Whiteville, Jimmy Hopkins (Charlene) of Ripley, TN and Stephanie Gonzalez (Daniel) of Horseshoe, AR; one great-granddaughter, Makensey Romaine; and nine step-great-grandchildren, Clay, Lyla, Jameson and Hunter Hopkins; Eric, Aiden, Isabella, Dominic and Daleyza Gonzalez.

The last of eleven children, she was also preceded in death by five sisters, Thelma Ferge, Velma Wilson, Geneva Crafton, Eva Thompson and Sara Thompson Wise; and five brothers, Fernan, Lester "Jack", Bailey, James "Cobb" and Donald Ferge.

Memorials may be sent to the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.