Jeffrey Wakefield Rogers

The only child of John Rogers and Jennifer Hartley, Jeffrey was also a child of Athens. Born in Athens Regional Medical Center on April 7, 1992, he attended Waseca Montessori Preschool, Chase Street Elementary, Clarke Middle School, and Clarke Central High School, where he was a student journalist for the Odyssey Newsmagazine and ran cross country. Upon graduating high school, Jeffrey attended the University of Georgia where he made countless lifelong friends in Creswell Hall Dormitory.

Jeffrey was a ray of sunshine. His love for his friends and family overflowed in gushes of affection. As a child, he loved nature and the outdoors. He was often seen with muddy hands, tenderly holding a lizard, frog or some sort of insect. He loved the household pets, his first spoken word, “Mary,” the name of his Dalmatian. He developed a sophisticated sense of humor at an early age and delighted in making others laugh, to everyone’s delight! Jeffrey was an avid reader, brilliant writer, musician, and critical thinker. He grew to love literature, music, fashion and cinema. He also loved motocross, shooting hoops, and playing video games, and found a way to draw parallels between all of his many interests. He was a brilliant sensitive soul; painfully empathetic. His shy, sweet demeanor paired with his towering 6’ 5” frame made a lasting impression on all who encountered him.

Around the age of twenty, mental illness cast a shadow on Jeffrey’s light. For the past decade, Jeffrey struggled with often debilitating depression and anxiety. The treatments and medications offered some relief, but at times the pain was unbearable. He self-medicated with both prescription as well as street drugs which ultimately, tragically ended his life.

Jeffrey is predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Constance Wakefield; and maternal Grandfather, Duane Hartley. He is survived by his parents John Rogers (Haley), and Jennifer Hartley (David Judd) of Athens; paternal grandparents, Jack and Diane Rogers of Seattle; maternal grandmother, Maxine Deborah Hartley of Toccoa; uncles Matt Wakefield, Napoleon Fuller, David Hartley (Kitty); aunts Kellie Rogers (Gnat Magone), and Katie Davidson (Zach) of Seattle, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Jeffrey’s life will be held at Sandy Creek Park, 400 Bob Holman Road, Athens, Picnic Shelter #4, on Sunday, October 30, at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories, stories, and song. Or feel free to walk around the lake in contemplation. Please let the gate attendant know that you are arriving for this event. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nuçi’s Space.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.