Mother Willie Mae Rogers

Again, death has invaded the rank of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  It has carried away not only a Christian Woman, faithful member, beautiful mother, precious grandmother, cousin and dear friend but a saint who heeded the scripture working diligently in the ministry for the edification of the Body of Christ.

Mother Willie Mae Rogers affectionately called “Big Red” by her family members and friends knew that Christianity did not exempt one from death but ensured triumph over death.

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Mother Willie Mae Rogers at the age of 89, pulled off mortality and put on immortality, making the transition to her heavenly home surrounded by her family.

Willie Mae was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan on March 11, 1936, the only child of the late Robert and Josephine Ellis.  She was a true jewel and the loving matriarch of her family. As a young adult, her love for family extended to relocating many of her cousins from the south.

At an early age, Mother Rogers dedicated her life to Christ. In 1974, she united in Christian fellowship and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral guidance of the late Rev. Elbert Brown. Mother Rogers served faithful as the Church Secretary and song in the Senior Choir for many years until her health began to fail. A devout Christian, she never refused to help anyone in need and never missed an opportunity to laugh, dance, cook and simply have a great time. Mother Rogers labor of love reached the heart of many as she served warm meals at the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen.

Mother Rogers will forever be remembered in the heart of her children, Joanna (Tony) Williams of Grand Rapids, MI, Francina “Tina” Miller, Annie (Eric) Miller, Vanett (Kevin) Word, Sonya Dee Rogers, all of Benton Harbor, Michigan; her sister, Zelma Wade, her brother, Dewayne Jude; 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great children; and three God children Rev. Darwin Johnson, James Coleman, and Mike Scott.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her husband Bobby Dee Rogers; her parents; her grandparents; two sons, Mickey Ellis and Johnny Ellis; her daughter Marsha Faye Field and her brother William Ellis.

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