Evangelist Nettie Brown Rogers, known as a
trailblazer and pioneer in ministry and a woman of stamina died at home
on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at the age of 86. She was born October
25, 1922 in Memphis to the late Arthur and Bertha L Brown. Rogers was
one of the 22 original members of Grace Missionary Baptist Church
chartered in 1958 under the leadership of Rev. R. W. McClendon who now
serves as the pastor of Progressive M. B. Church in Detroit. Though for
10 years she was an associate minister at New Salem Missionary Baptist
on S. Fourth St. where Rev. Mary E. Moore is pastor, her membership was
at Grace at the time of her death. In 2008, Grace recognized her for 50
years of service. During her lifetime, she received a myriad of awards
from churches, schools and civic organizations. She also received
government proclamations and keys to the city. In 1968, she founded
Memphis Inter-Denominational Fellowship, Inc. Its purpose is to build
spiritual and moral fiber, promote Christian and public education; and
reduce crime, juvenile delinquency and illiteracy. Through its signature
program, “Back to Church School Crusade,” she established National
Church School Day, recognized the first Sunday in June. Mayor Henry Loeb
issued the first Proclamation in 1970 proclaiming National Church School
Day and Back to Church School Crusade months. Mayors Wyeth Chandler in
1971 and Willie Herenton and A C Wharton in 2005, 2007 and 2008 issued
subsequent proclamations. Through another program, Operation Bread
Basket, Rogers provided food for many individuals, churches, nursing
homes, agencies and Vacation Bible Schools for more than 30 years. Her
most recent awards and honors include a Joint Resolution in 2006 and
2008 from the State of Tennessee House of Representatives honoring her
for her strong character, selfless good works and commitment to God.
Mayor A C and Mrs. Ruby Wharton awarded her the 2009 Ruby R. Wharton
Outstanding Woman award in the area of Youth and Delinquency earlier
this month. In 2007 and 2008, Congressman Steve Cohen issued
Congressional proclamations on her behalf for her outstanding work in
the community supporting youth. In 2002, the Memphis City Council named
the street on which she lived in her honor. In the summer, 2004
LeMoyne-Owen College recognized her for her support of the college.
Earlier this year, the African American Museum of Memphis unveiled the
first phase of its exhibits, “The Hall of Pulpit,” honoring Memphis
History Makers in Ministry. Evangelist Rogers was one of 12 preachers
and the only woman to receive this honor. In 2008, Rev. Melvin Charles
Smith, pastor of Mt. Moriah East honored her as a “Pioneer.” In 2002,
Dr. Gina M. Stewart of Christ Missionary Baptist Church honored her for
“setting a standard by being a true Pioneering Trailblazer.” In 1995,
Grace M. B. Church awarded her the Pioneer Motivator Award. She received
other awards and recognition from April 4th Foundation in 2004 and
National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club in
2000 and Africa in April in 1995. Comrades N Community honored her as a
2007 Woman of Stamina. Al Chymia Shrine recognized her for her service
and partnership for over 40 years and in 2002, she served as honorary
Ringmaster at the Shrine Circus. Evangelist Rogers was recognized by The
Commercial Appeal as a “Good Neighbor” in 1989. Rogers’ left a legacy of
Christianity and community service locally and nationally. To mourn her
death and cherish her memories she leaves six children: William O.
Brown, Joy Rogers Stout (Isaac), James M. Rogers, Sr. (Vanessa), Vanessa
Rogers Long (Dr. Robert, Sr.) of Clarksdale, MS, Dr. Inetta F. Rogers,
Loverta Rogers Dorris (Alvin). One of her three sons, Tyrone A. Rogers
preceded her in death. She also leaves 14 grandchildren: James, M.
Rogers, Jr., Roger D. Rogers (Jacqueline), Rochelle Lindsey-Triplett,
Vanese Long Griffin (Charles) of Southaven, MS, Stephen C. O. Stout,
John E. Rogers of New York, NY, Timothy C. O. Stout, Sr., Robert E.
Long, Jr., Joseph E. Rogers, Robin Joy Long, Rosalyn Nettie Rogers,
Tyrone A. Rogers, Jr., Luvenia E. Young, Vania J. Rogers; six great
grandchildren: Cameron L. Rogers, Brian C. Triplett, Jevaria B.
Jefferson, Randall Brady Long, Timothy C. O Stout, Jr., Hailey B.
Griffin; a goddaughter and godson, Reverend Mary E. Moore her spouse
Ronald Moore; a stepmother, Louise Brown of New Castle, PA, a brother,
Thomas Brown of Lynn, MA, a sister-in-law, Doris Brown of San Antonio,
TX; and a host of relatives and friends. The visitation will be Friday,
February 20, 2009, 4-7 p.m. at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 955
S. 4th Street. The Funeral Service is Saturday, February 21, 2009 at
noon at Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 1203 N. Manassas. Rev. Coleman
Crawford, Jr. is pastor. Arrangements by N. J. Ford & Sons. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Memphis
Inter-Denominational Fellowship, Inc., P.O. Box 0632, Memphis, TN
38103-0632.
To Contact Us: