Ilene King Rogers, loved as Granny, returned to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 29, 2016, after a brief illness. Mrs. Rogers was born on October 18, 1919, in Dillon County, South Carolina. She was a lifelong resident of the Pee Dee region and was also a member of Fork Baptist Church, where she regularly attended and joyfully participated in church life as long as she was able.
Proud of her 97 years, Mrs. Rogers’s life was fruitful and fulfilled. She spent her early life as a farmer’s daughter and married Everette Pendleton (“E.P.”) Rogers in 1940. Upon her marriage, she joined E.P., Daniel, Thad, Lula, and Cornie Rogers on the family farm in Fork, where she contributed to the operation of the farm and the household. There, Mrs. Rogers lovingly and dutifully raised her four children with the extended family. In addition, Mrs. Rogers worked in the fields, tended the animals, and prepared meals. She often reflected on the hard physical work as a memory of personal strength and endurance. Certainly, the vigor of her youth was a component of her longevity.
Mrs. Rogers enjoyed participating in church homecomings for which she often cooked her famous coconut cakes. As a member of the Fork Women’s Club, she delighted in hosting the women of her community and made Christmas ornaments each year for all the members with the help of her family. Likewise, her family benefitted from her hospitality by frequently feasting on a bountiful table of chicken and pastry, collard greens, turnips, and chocolate delight, which she lovingly prepared.
Mrs. Rogers especially relished fishing on the Little Pee Dee River behind her home. In addition to her love and her faith, Granny sought to instill in her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren her significant – and rightful- hatred of snakes.
Never one to be idle, Mrs. Rogers made innumerable quilts until her “eyes gave out.” She was sure to make baby quilts and blankets in advance of her diminishing sight for her great-grandchildren who were yet to be born. Of course, Granny enjoyed holding and caring for each great-grandchild even more than she enjoyed making his or her quilt.
Mrs. Rogers is preceded in death by her parents Lillie Belle and Murry King; her husband, E. P. Rogers; her younger daughter, Dannie Carroll Rogers Page; and her siblings, Marvin King; Evelyn Hayes; Myrtle Bryant; Jack King; and Eula Ferguson. Mrs. Rogers previously noted with sadness that she had outlived many of her friends as well. It is her family’s hope that her reunion with all in Heaven provides great joy.
Indeed, Mrs. Rogers’s passing closes an era of life on the family farm initially purchased by her husband, his father, and his siblings. The family holds fond memories of Mrs. Rogers under the pecan trees viewing the wild turkeys and crops. She felt most at home on her farm and enjoyed having her family there for as long as she was able to remain. In the earlier days of her old age, Granny tended her garden, cared for her Christmas cacti, and picked and prepared fresh produce.
Mrs. Rogers, who also always ready for an adventure, rode her son’s three-wheeler – with supervision – and proudly showed off the picture. She always was eager to accompany anyone to town, to the Beach, or to Washington, D.C.
In 1999, at the age of 80, she took her first plane ride to Washington, D.C.
While there, she toured the United States Capitol and proudly climbed its steps. As her years advanced, Mrs. Rogers was cared for in the homes of all of her children, where her great-grandchildren kept her engaged in the joys of life.
Mrs. Rogers is survived by her son, Penn Rogers and his wife, Ree, of Florence; her daughter, Eleanor Tommie Rogers Page, and her husband, Ben, of Myrtle Beach; her son-in-law, James William Page, of Charlotte; and her son, Ebbie Hoyt Rogers, and his wife, Patricia, of West Columbia. Also surviving are her grandchildren Brett Rogers (Renee) of Chapin; Thad Rogers (Jenny) of Florence; Joi Yvette Page Young (Frankie Lane) of Myrtle Beach; Ty Christopher Page (Leslee) of Spartanburg; Jamie Hoyt Rogers of Columbia; Daniel Lee Rogers of Columbia; and Audrey Clair Page (David Francis Cimba) of Charlotte. Mrs. Rogers is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Allison Rose Rogers and Sarah Kathleen Rogers of Chapin; Toni Makayla Byrd; Hannah Grace Rogers; Ethan Pendleton Rogers; and Krystal Logan Byrd of Florence; Rachel-Caroline Young of Myrtle Beach; Christopher Lawson Page of Spartanburg; Luke David Cimba of Charlotte; and Haven Marie Rogers of Columbia. Mrs. Rogers is also survived by her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation with the family was December 2, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Fork Baptist Church in Fork, South Carolina.
The funeral service and interment immediately followed. Cox-Collins Funeral Home of Mullins is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Fork Baptist Church Cemetery Fund and cheerfully apply the Golden Rule.
