Marian Smith Rogers

She was born September 14, 1922, in Canton, New York and was a daughter of the late Robert Holcomb and Floy Bruce Smith. She was a homemaker and a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. She was active in the older adult swim class at the YMCA and served on the Statesville Appearence Commission. She and her husband were also meals on wheels volunteers. After graduating from high school, she went to Oberlin College to study French horn, but left before graduating to join the war effort at Pratt-Whitney in Hartford, CT. In a training class to learn about producing airplane engines, she spied a tall, good-looking, blonde fellow across the room. Thus began a relationship that would result in a 71 year marriage, 5 daughters, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. After having the first three daughters, she returned to college and graduated from Queens College in Charlotte.

A truly remarkable woman, her life was defined by giving, especially to her family. However, throughout her life, the PTA, Meals On Wheels and congregations where she worshipped in Rochester, NY, Charlotte, NC, Downingtown, PA, Port Tobacco, MD, and most recently Broad Street United Methodist Church in Statesville, were all recipients of her efforts, enthusiasm and kindness. Friends and family could count on a loaf of homemade bread and a warm hug and an encouraging word. She will be missed by her family.

On November 21,1942, she married Mr. Emory Rogers who survives. Also surviving are daughters, Smith Rainer (Allen) of Zebulon, N.C., Valory Rogers of Raleigh, Alison Hartis of Jacksonville, Florida, Meredith Strickland of St. Augustine, Florida, and Carrie Newgent (Don) of Jacksonville, Florida. Additional survivors include 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Services celebrating Marion's life will be conducted at Broad Street United Methodist Church at 2:00 P.M. Sunday with the Rev. Jennifer Bingham officiating. The family will then receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

Condolences may be sent online to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Broad Street United Methodist Church, 315 W. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677; or to the YMCA of Statesville, 828 Wesley Drive. Statesville, NC 28677; or to the Meals on Wheels, c/o Iredell County Council On Aging, P.O. Box 344, Statesville, NC 28687.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.