BEVERLY C. ROGERS
Aug. 25, 1937-Dec. 18, 2016
Beverly Cox Rogers, 79, of Tampa, Fla., passed away Dec. 18, 2016 after a courageous four-year battle with breast cancer.
She was born in her grandmother’s home in Tifton, Ga., to Thomas Earle Cox Jr. and Evelyn Wrigley Cox.
As the daughter of a U.S. Army officer, she lived in Japan and Italy following World War II, igniting a passion for all things Asian and Italian.
She was married to the love of her life, Craven “Clark” Rogers, for 59 years and together, they raised five children. As the wife of a U.S. Air Force officer, Beverly was a true partner in Clark’s 34-year career and an active member of the Air Force community while living throughout the United States, England and South Korea.
Beverly was filled with curiosity and a zest for life and learning. A proud American with many interests, including politics, gardening, literature and cultural arts, she was particularly passionate about community involvement. She was the visionary for the annual Rose Circle Garden Tour fundraiser and co-edited the Chiselers’ cookbook, “Victorian Secrets,” to raise funds for historic preservation projects at the University of Tampa, Henry B. Plant Hall.
Her life of service began early as a young military wife and progressed into positions of leadership in the Air Force Officers’ Wives Club, American Red Cross, Rose Circle and Chiselers. She was committed to raising awareness of wounded warriors and the needs of military veterans and their families.
While living in South Korea, she was a frequent visitor to Korean orphanages and was made honorary principal of the local elementary school, where she taught English to Korean children. She left every place better than she found it.
Beverly lived her life with grace and dignity. She was a kind and compassionate listener, beloved wife and mother, sister and friend who made time for all people. She embraced every place and every person she met. To her family, she was a quiet, humble hero.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Craven Clark Rogers Jr.; her brothers, Norman and Thomas Cox; and her sister, Evelyn “Gayle” Webster.
She is survived by her sister, Dianne Featherston (Keith); and children, Cheryl Rogers, Laura Rogers, Clark Rogers (Valerie), Regina Bryant and Susan Barger (Van); and 12 grandchildren, Clark, Ryan and Austin Rogers, Matt, Riley, Gavin and Cole Parks, Annie, Emma and Wesley Bryant, Madeline and Carson Barger; and four great-grandchildren.
A funeral service honoring Beverly’s life was held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa, Fla., on Dec. 21, 2016 at 2 p.m., with a reception immediately following.
She and her husband, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Craven Clark Rogers Jr., will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery on March 22, 2017 at 8:45 a.m. with a memorial service in the Old Chapel at Fort Myer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Red Cross or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Arrangements are being handled by Blount & Curry MacDill.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on December 24, 2016 12:59 PM