Rosemary Louise Rogers

Rosemary Louise Rogers, a long-time resident of the Los Angeles area, died on January 24, 2024, surrounded by her close family. The oldest child of John Wesley and Margaret Odum, Rosemary was born on June 15, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois along with her younger siblings Novelle, and Elenore. After graduating from Du Sable High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul Milton Rogers.

After losing her mother and one of her daughters on the same day, Rosemary loaded up her family with the help of her oldest son and made the long, arduous journey across the country to Los Angeles for a fresh start. Once in L.A., Rosemary worked tirelessly as a chef for the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 20 years to support her two youngest children. After she retired, Rosemary volunteered in hospitals to care for the sick and elderly in the Santa Clarita area along with volunteering for church and community activities. In 2014, Rosemary moved to Renton, WA. with the help of her two oldest daughters to begin the final chapter of her long life.

A passionate singer of jazz and gospel, Rosemary had the voice and natural charisma to turn friends into family no matter the situation, and her outgoing personality and soulful connections were infectious to everyone around her. She was a woman of generosity and nurturance. Everyone she knew benefited from her maternal love and devotion to Jesus Christ. As a woman of Christian integrity, Rosemary would pray and offer biblical scriptures to all and studied her bible faithfully until her last day. She had a simple taste for the richness of life. Although she lived modestly, Rosemary shared all that she had and fed many with her food and her spiritual guidance.

Rosemary was a caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was a mother of the church, Sunday School Teacher, and senior member of the choir at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles for over three decades.

Rosemary leaves behind 6 children, her sons Paul Jr., Renard, and Tohun, along with her daughters, Tasleem, Marguerite, and Trischelle. She has 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Two of her children, John and Sharion are deceased. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held in California at a future date to be decided by the family.

Our mother/grandmother was a truly great lady whose impact will be forever felt by her family, who loved her dearly. She was a treasure in our family, whose life left an indelible mark in the hearts of her loved ones. Her ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love is inspirational to her family and friends.

May our lives reflect our Mother’s legacy and stand approved in accordance with her favorite scripture:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).

Anyone wishing to donate memorial gifts, can send them in Rosemary’s honor to her longtime church Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 West 54th Street, Los Angeles, CA. 90043; 323-291-1121 Pastor George Hurtt.