Our beloved mother, Gloria Kilgore Rogers, was born on April 8, 1934, to Robert Kilgore and Cora Willis, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was reared in a Christian home, raised by her grandparents, affectionately known as Mother and Papa Willis. Under their spiritual guidance and example, Gloria came to know the Lord at an early age, and she dedicated her life to Him.

Gloria lived her entire life in a posture that would please the Lord.

Gloria was educated in the Bienville Parish School System. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in Grambling State University. Gloria graduated from Grambling State University in 1955, earning her Bachelor of Arts in English and Social Studies. She was a very active student while at Grambling, and was involved in many organizations, but would probably be most known for her acceptance and association with the sisterhood dear to her heart, the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Shortly after graduating from Grambling State University, Gloria met a young soldier in Shreveport, Louisiana. Odell Rogers was the love of her life. They married in 1960 and to their union, two children were born: son, Errol Keith, and daughter, Deborah Denise. After years of active military service and our family living in various places across the United States, we settled in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

After settling in Lake Charles, Gloria became an educator and taught at various schools within the Calcasieu Parish School System. Her students described her as being firm, yet loving, fair, genuine, helpful and patient. Many students returned to seek assistance with college coursework because they knew she'd be excited about helping to witness their success. She retired after more than 40 years of service.

Gloria was also a passionate and dedicated member of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. For decades she served her sorority and its mission with passion and class.

As passionate as she was about her family, sorority, and her profession, all paled in comparison to her thirst and passion for the Lord and doing His work. She was an active and faithful member of Mount Zion Baptist church for decades where she served in various ministries of the church. Gloria was a living example of someone who displays the hands and feet of Jesus. She lived according to Psalm 63:1-4 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus, will I bless thee while I live: I will lift my hands in thy name.

After a lifetime of serving God, she was called home on Friday, January 28, 2022.

She was preceded in death by our father, Odell Rogers, her parents, Robert Kilgore, and Cora Willis, grandparents Mother and Papa Willis, brother, Billy Joe Kilgore; sister, Barbara Williams, and a host of other family members.

Gloria is survived by her children, Errol Keith (Damita) of Lafayette, LA, daughter Deborah Denise (Rodrick Simmons) of Katy, TX; 9 grandchildren, Dominique Donaldson (Al) of Katy, TX; Cecil Samuel (Myriah) of Denton, TX, Desiree Rogers (Justin) of McKinney, TX; Chase Samuel of Houston, TX; Danielle Rogers of New Orleans, LA; Cameron Simmons of Katy, TX; Erin Rogers, Errol Rogers Jr., and Erika Rogers all of Lafayette, LA; 7 great-grandchildren, Jerimiyah Samuel, Jaxon Samuel, and Josiah Samuel all of Denton, TX; Demi Rogers and Jada Rogers of McKinney, TX; Elijah Sias of New Orleans, LA, and Jaylon Donaldson of Katy, TX.