Gladys Virginia Rodgers

Gladys Virginia Rodgers Obituary

Gladys Virginia (Jenkins) Rodgers transitioned peacefully on April 17, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on November 28, 1928, to the late Walter and Katie Jenkins of Gates County, North Carolina, Gladys was the youngest of ten children.

 In 1947, she married her husband, the late George W. Rodgers, Jr., in Nansemond County, Virginia. Her greatest life’s accomplishment was undoubtedly her role in successfully raising their six children, Carolyn, Katie, “Butch,” “Buddy/Bubba,” “Cat” and Roy. A woman of sacrifice and dedication, she encouraged them to work hard, remain close and supportive of one another and always put God first.

Affectionately known as “NaNa” to many, Gladys was a quiet, gentle and loving soul. She found great joy in the simple, beautiful things of life: being close to her sisters/family, proudly displaying photos of her growing family and cooking and baking for those she loved – well-known for her potato salad, fried chicken and chocolate cake.

Gladys served as the family’s 'go-to' person for ancestral remedies and cures passed down through generations. Whether she was calming a teething baby, curing an ear infection or treating sore throats, bee stings and various wounds and bruises, her remedies were known to soothe any ailment and mend any spirit.

A lifelong member of New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church in Corapeake, NC, Gladys’ faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. She was beautifully steadfast in her walk with God, choosing to never drink, curse, smoke, wear pants or attend worldly parties— serving as a quiet example of modest grace and a life set apart.

Gladys joins her parents and all nine of her siblings, all who went before her in rest. She is survived by all of her devoted children, Carolyn Fleetwood of Charlotte, NC, Katie Carter (the late Norman) of Suffolk, VA, George W. “Butch” Rodgers, III (Katrina) of Suffolk, VA, Junious “Buddy/Bubba” Rodgers (Venia) of Philadelphia, PA, Mary Catherine “Cat” Edmond (Clyde) of Suffolk, VA and Roy Rodgers of Suffolk, VA as well as 13 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren and a host of family and friends who will forever carry her spirit with them.

She was a beacon of light and a source of comfort to many and will be forever missed and remembered. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026.  A celebration of life will be held at noon, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at New Middle Swamp Missionary Baptist Church, 790 Middle Swamp Road, Corapeake, N.C. 27926. She will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Professional services with dignity, compassion, and care have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.