Remembering Clissie Rogers

If one had to sum up in one word who Clissie May Rogers was to all of us, that word would be ‘love.’ She was patient, she was kind. She did not envy, never boasted, and was not proud. She never dishonored others, was not self-seeking, was not easily angered, and kept no record of wrongs. She didn’t delight in evil but rejoiced with the truth. She always protected, always trusted, always hoped, and until she took her very last breath, always persevered. On Sunday, March 1, 2020, our beloved Clissie Rogers finished her race and was taken home to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Clissie was born on June 25, 1939, in Union Springs, Alabama, to the union of Dewey and Thelma (Banks) Ford. She was one of nine – yes, nine – siblings. Her family relocated to Akron, Ohio, during World War II, where she would spend the rest of her life.

Clissie graduated from South High School at the top of her class. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Akron and earned a master’s degree in education from Kent State University. She worked for the Akron Board of Education for over 30 years working in schools such as North High and Buchtel High. She also started Akron’s Teenage Pregnancy Center. Clissie was a gifted educator and was passionate about helping students learn. When Clissie wasn’t teaching, she dedicated so much of her time to tutoring children and teens in math. She was even featured on a local television show in which students would call in, and she would solve their math problems while they watched.

Clissie was wed to her forever sweetheart, Harry Bernard Rogers, on June 25, 1963. Three years later, they welcomed their first son, Harry Scott. Soon to follow was Jeffrey Bernard in 1968, and Martin Ford in 1971. There was nothing more important to Clissie and Harry than their family. They were always a very close-knit bunch, and time spent together was never at a minimum. From summertime family vacations to dinner around the table almost every single evening, family time was greatly valued. There was always something special about the Rogers’ house that made it a magnet for friends and relatives. There was an abundance of love, laughter, benevolence, fun, and great food. Their home at 309 Dorchester Road could easily be considered a landmark of love and acceptance for so many.

Clissie had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and was very creative. She had a passion for inventing and was successful in securing a patent for a penlight, which was to be worn on the tip of one’s finger. She was also the author of three published books. Her adventurous business spirit is very evident today in the lives of her three sons.

Clissie came to know the Lord at an early age and was very instrumental in Harry coming to know the Lord over 20 years after their marriage. She attended Arlington Church of God (ACOG), where she served under Rev. Dr. Ronald J. Fowler and current pastor Rev. Dr. Diana L. Swoope. She played a vital role in the establishment of the Irma Jones Preschool at Robert Street Church of God (now ACOG), taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir for many years. When she could no longer attend in person, she streamed the services on her iPad with Harry. Although mostly unresponsive on the day she passed away, when Clissie heard Rev. Leslie Parker Barnes’ voice along with the Arlington choir, she briefly opened her eyes. She opened them again upon hearing Dr. Swoope’s voice. Arlington Church of God held a very dear place in Clissie’s heart until her very last day on earth.

We will cherish the memory of Clissie’s witty sense of humor, her dignity, and her grace. Her ability to show delight in those she loved will never be forgotten. She has finished her race. No more sickness, no more pain – only a new heavenly body to enjoy for all of eternity. Well done, Clissie Rogers. Well done.

Clissie Rogers was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harry Rogers; parents, Dewey and Thelma (Banks) Ford; brother, Dewey Ford (Thelma); sisters, Geneva Lewis (Algon), Elizabeth Wright (Harold), Linder Jerels (Leonard); brothers-in-law, Jim Lawrence and Ernest Hickman; and grandson, Samuel Scott Rogers.

To cherish her life and memory, Clissie leaves behind her sons, Scott (Monica), Jeffrey (Philana), and Martin (April); grandsons, Martin II, Tyler, Brandon, Matthew, and Patrick; granddaughters, Alexandra, Shayna, Kristen, and Cameryn; great-granddaughter, Reyna; sisters, Edith Lawrence, Leanna Hickman, Jimmie Curtis (Frank); brother, Young Ford; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Special Family and Friends: Michael and Patricia (decd.) Buckner, Doylan (decd.) and Janie Forney, Rosa Terry, Mildred Davis-Johnson, Rev. Dr. Ronald and Joyce Fowler, Lawrence and Rev. Dr. Diana L. Swoope, Regina Rogers, Rita Rogers, Marvin (Sr.) and Mattie Rogers (both decd.), Marvin (Jr.) and Susan Rogers, Tony and Patricia (decd.) Rogers, Chris and Jenny Minear, Richard (decd.) and Yvonne Averitte, Darryl Hickman, Judi Thomas, and Derek and Jill Forest.