Joyce Lee Rogers

Joyce Lee Rogers was born on July 2, 1942, in Virgin Beach, Virginia. She is the daughter of Frank and Mildred Bangley who have preceded her in death. She also has a younger sister, Patricia, who resides in North Carolina.

Joyce married a Navy Sailor, Russell Edward Rogers in 1964. It did not take them long to start building a family. Edward was born in 1965, Brian a year later in 1966, Russell born 1970, and Scott in 1972. With a husband who was constantly out to sea, her life revolved around these children. As a Navy Wife, Joyce lived in Florida, California, New Jersey, Virginia, and Japan. She travelled all over the Far East, including the Philippines, Korea, and Hong Kong. Regardless of where she was and where she went, her message to her children and friends was always the same... family first. Her other love was animals. At her death, she had 2 dogs, over a dozen cats that lived in and outside the house. She fed deer, squirrels, possums, raccoons, various birds, and any other critters around the house that may want a meal. Over the years, she had many pet animals, including even ducks and rabbits.

Joyce was a nurturing human being. She was always the team mom on her children's sports teams, providing drinks and food for all the kids. If any of the kids needed anything, they knew they could come to "Mrs. Rogers" and she would provide. As I write this Obituary, many of my and my brother's past friends have called to tell me she was their "second mom". Joyce Rogers was selfless. She never spent money on herself; in her mind, there was always someone else that needed it more. Her life was not without tragedy however, in 1984 her youngest son Scott died in an accident at the age of 12. Forty years later, she will be buried with Scott at Barrancas National Cemetery. Joyce Rogers even in death is the Matriarch of the Rogers Family. With her husband of 60 years, they have 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 2 more great grandchildren soon to be born. Joyce Rogers has left an eternal mark on this earth. Countless generations of the Rogers Family will go on thanks to deeds and the example that set forth by the way she lived her life.

I can speak for my brothers and my father when I say that we have not only lost a mother, our protector, our biggest fan, but we have lost our best friend.