Claire Rodgers, 102, departed this life for her heavenly home on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Claire was born in Yantley, Alabama on March 18, 1915, to Janie Gaines and Frank Townsend.  She married Orange James Rodgers in 1935 and they had 2 children.  She was baptized at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church and as a self-taught pianist, played in the church choir.

Moving to Akron, Ohio in 1944 she became a homemaker whose primary focus was following the teaching of the Bible as she raised her children and supported her husband.  She was a great cook, an avid gardener, a seamstress, and a tireless advocate for following God’s word and Christian living.  She was a long-time member of Bethel Baptist Church and faithfully served as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Board. Claire’s priorities in life were God and family.  She was best known for her Christian charity and unselfish desire for helping her family.  When often asked her motto for living a long life, she responded, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  She was truly one of God’s Angels.

In 2003, she traded her cold weather living for the warm sunshine of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Our dear Sister Rodgers was preceded in death by her mother Janie Gaines and father Frank Townsend, husband, Orange James Rodgers, Sr., seven brothers and sisters, Jesse Townsend, Perry Townsend, Leo Townsend, Robert Townsend, Gertrude Brunson, Beatrice Halsell and Fannie Montgomery, son Orange James Rodgers, Jr. and granddaughter Tracey Satterwhite.

She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter Gertrude Ricks; granddaughters, Robyn Roberts (Timothy), Sarah (Beth) Rodgers, Angela Rodgers, Alicia Ingram (Eldridge); grandsons James Rodgers, Archie Rodgers, Cameron Manley; 14 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She will forever remain in our hearts.