Shirley Rogers Program

Order of Service

Reverend A. Craig Dunn, Officiating Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Madison, New Jersey

Musical Prelude.....................................................................................................................................Scott Holley Prayer of Invocation....................................................................................................... Reverend A. Craig Dunn Musical Selection.........................................................................................................................................................

Scripture Readings Old Testament.................................................................................................................Reverend Michael Sykes New Testament............................................................................................................... Reverend A. Craig Dunn Prayer of Comfort...........................................................................................................Reverend Michael Sykes Tributes & Reflections.................................................................................................... Airshah Abdul-Raheem

Dale Wilson Booker

Relley Ann Groves Scott Holley

The Life Reflection..........................................................................................................................Richard Groves Musical Selection...................................................................................................................................Scott Holley Message of Comfort & Hope....................................................................................... Reverend A. Craig Dunn Funeral Director’s Remarks & Instructions...........................................................................................................

Recessional............................................................................................ Reverend A. Craig Dunn & The Family

Interment Rosedale Cemetery 408 Orange Road, Montclair, New Jersey 07042

The Life Reflection

Shirley Thelma Rogers departed this life on Monday January 12, 2015. Shirley was born on November 4, 1924 in Newark, New Jersey to the late Lorraine and Lloyd Davis. Shirley attended Newark public schools graduating from Westside High School in 1956. Shirley delayed her graduation for many years to care for her sick father and mother whom she supported until their passing.

Shirley continued her education attending the Barbara Watson Modeling School, Fairleigh Dickenson University and Bloomfield College where she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. Shirley balanced work, family and a social life and graduated with honors.

Shirley worked many jobs during her career including the New Jersey Afro American Newspaper, Westinghouse Electric Company, Internal Revenue Service and Hoffman La Roche where she retired. After retirement Shirley became licensed real estate agent and worked with her good friend Barbara Robinson of Barbara Robinson Realty. She continued with Barbara at Burgdorf Realty and was active in the Realtor’s Association.

Shirley donated much of her time to charitable and worthy causes including tutoring of adults’ in evening school, food drives for the homeless and many other projects.

Shirley was a past member of the Essex County League of Volunteer Workers, former member of the City of East Orange Commission and was it’s first black female member. Shirley was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she chaired and sat on many committees.

Shirley loved to dance and socialize with her many friends. She was an integral part of the Essex County African American social scene of her era. For many years she attended events sponsored by The Sundowners, Drifters, Norgmen and her beloved AKA sorority. Shirley loved to travel. With her beloved friends, Claricie Boon, Corrina Ray, Marion Houston, Marie Lambert, Babe Martin and many others, Shirley traveled the world.

In 1977 she traveled to Africa and visited her Uncle Renowned Pan African leader, Bill Sutherland She traveled through Africa to Tanzania, Ghana, and Liberia.

Shirley loved her family and was a proud grandmother. She spent a great deal of quality time with Ibin, Andre, Aiesha, and Takiudeen and she lives in their memory. Especially Aiesha who was her constant companion until her passing.

Shirley married Reginald Groves in 1947 and to this union produced a son born Reginald T. Groves, Jr. in 1949.

Shirley married again in 1957 and to this union was born, Mark Lloyd Rogers in 1960.

Through her two marriages Shirley kept her in-laws and family connected. She was known to all as Aunt Shirley and regarded all as her family. Shirley left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was loyal, dedicated, determined, and loved to live life. Shirley learned to do a lot with a little. Her friend Clarice Boon described her as “Slick and Caggie.” She had to be to take care of her family and accomplish the things in life she did. Shirley loved good company and a good dry martini.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents, Lloyd and Lorraine Davison, Reginald T. Groves, Jr., Stepsons Kingdon and Donald D. Rogers.

Shirley Thelma Rogers leaves to cherish her memories: son, Lloyd Abdul-Raheem; grandchildren, Ibin L. Raheem, Andre Abdul-Raheem, Aieshan Abdul-Raheem and Takiudeen B. Abdul-Raheem; stepchildren, Rodney Groves, Thurston Groves, Dawn Groves, and Susan Durant; great grandchildren, Riley Elan, Nate, and Pearl; nephews, Richard Groves, David Groves, Bill Spear, Kenny Rogers, Kevin Rogers, Scott Holley, Richard Holley, and Mark Holley; daughter-inlaw, Cheryl Bouldin; nieces, Doreen, Denise, Dale, Donna, Dawn Wilson, Valerie Campbell Denise, Dorie, and Jackie Rogers; special friends, Clarice Boon and Althea Tweeten; special friend and sister-in-law, Ann Groves.

What Is A Mother

It takes a Mother’s Love To make a house a home A place to be remembered, No matter where we roam.

It takes a Mother’s patience, To bring a child up right, And her courage and cheerfulness To make a dark day bright.

And that is why in all this world there could not be another Who could fulfill God’s purpose as completely as a MOTHER Helen Steiner Rice

Acknowledgments

The family of Shirley Thelma Rogers wishes to thank everyone for all acts of kindness during their bereavement.

May The Lord continue to bless all of you.

Professional Services Entrusted to:

Martin’s Home for Service, Inc. “Quality with Dignity” Richelle B. Williams, Mgr. – NJ Lic. No. 4788 Jennifer Tapia, Director – NJ Lic. No. 4821 – Yo Habla Español 48 Elm Street, Montclair, New Jersey 07042 Phone: 973 746 2158 Fax: 973 746 1337 Email: martinshfsinc@gmail.com Website: www.martinshfs.com

Program Designed & Printed By: MLDCommunications “The Very Best in Desktop Publishing” Reverend J-Anthony & Lady Madelin L. Dargan 62 Maple Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 07042 Phone: 973 783 6198 Email: mldcomm@aol.com