Mary Ann Rogers was born in Lindsay Oklahoma in January 1939, to her loving parents Jimmie and Edva Rogers. She was a preemie being born at just six months and weighing only about 3 pounds. Her mom and grandma took turns keeping her warm and alive by putting her in a Shoe Box on the oven door and turning her. What a fighter she was! I love that story!
They then moved to the Visalia area when she was very young. Her family farmed so she knew hard work. Mary Ann graduated high school in 1957, from Tulare Union. She then married Bobby Nelson in December 1958. They had two amazing children, Christopher and Marijayne. Two babies under two years old! Mary Ann continued her education while raising two children. She succeeded in getting her AA in 1967, and her BA in 1970. She then got her teaching credentials in 1971 and began her teaching career. Mary Ann taught Home Economics and Business at Avenal High School from September of 1971, to September 1976. She then decided to substitute teach closer to home. She substitute taught from September 1976, to February 1990. Mary Ann also went into partnership in a liquor store in San Ardo California in 1978. That is where she met her second husband John Embrey. They were married in January 1984. She then decided to sell the store and move back to Visalia. Sadly, her husband passed away not long after in 1987. She then lost her dad in 2001, and her mom in 2008. She moved back to Paso Robles in 2007 to be closer to her children because her health was declining. She then moved to Morro Bay where she lived until she passed away.
Mary Ann leaves behind two brothers Tommie, (his wife Shirley) and James Rogers. Two children, her son Chris, (his wife Tamee) and her daughter Marijayne. Four grandchildren, Michelle, (her husband Andy) David, Brittany, and Kevin. Eight great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Leah, Paul, Jacob, A.J., Aidan, Brice, Colton and one great great-granddaughter on the way. She was an amazing Mom and Grandma. She will be dearly missed!
God Speed Mom! We Love You!!
