Thelma L. (Moore) Rogers

Though Ms. Thelma or Ms. T, as she was affectionately known, was a force to be reckoned with in life, she quietly walked out of this life and into the next surrounded by love on January 2, 2023 at the age of 86. 

Thelma Louise Moore was born in Louisville, Arkansas to Otha Moore and Lovie Lester Moore. She was one of 22 children born to her father and three children born to her mother. From an early age, three things were clear, she would work hard, she loved her family, and she loved the Lord. 

Thelma’s elementary education was in the Louisville School System. She moved to Providence, Rhode Island at the age of twelve and attended Providence Public Schools. Thelma graduated from Hope High School. 

After spending time in the workforce, she continued her education at Modern PBX and Business School in Providence where earned a certificate for Switchboard Receptionist. The next year, Thelma attended OIC of Rhode Island where she completed business and secretarial courses. Between 1976 and 1978, while working, she attended Rhode Island College and completed several liberal arts courses.

During her time in the workforce, Thelma held many positions and titles. She believed in working for her money and having fun too! There were times when Thelma worked 3 jobs in addition to raising her children and being active at church. She was a dedicated employee to the State of Rhode Island, Department of Human Services for thirty years and to the United States Postal Service for nearly twenty years.

There is no doubt that Thelma Rogers loved her family and was a wonderful mother and matriarch later in life. She doted over her three children – Denise (“Niecey”), Robert (“Robbie”), and Raymond Jr. (“Ray-Ray”), as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and those she took in along the way.  She raised with love and support her grandson, Byron, whom she referred to as her son. She enjoyed pushing them to do their best, encouraging them to dream big, and ensured they all knew how blues, spirituals, and gospel music could carry you through any situation.

Another favorite pastime of Thelma’s was showing her love for others through cooking. She loved cooking for people; and, would volunteer for the hospitality committee at church, host holiday meals, bake her famous 7Up cake, or share a good meal with anyone who was a bit hungry. 

Thelma was a member of Congdon Street Baptist for several decades. As a member, she served on the usher board, as a trustee, sang in the senior and gospel choirs, and on countless committees along the way. Thelma also took her talents to the State of Rhode Island usher board where she served as president for several years. 

In addition to her parents, Thelma Rogers was preceded in death by her daughter, Denise Marie Williams, son, Raymond Leonard Rogers Jr, grandson, Gregory Leonard Saunders, and several brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles.

To mourn the loss and celebrate her life, Thelma leaves her beloved son Robert Wayne Saunders, Sr., his 3 children, Yolanda Briggs, Michael Briggs, and Robert Wayne Saunders Jr., his 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren; Niecy’s children Byron Saunders and Tiffany Williams; and Ray-Ray’s children Ciara L. Rogers and her son and Nicole McGee and her daughter. A host of nieces and nephews, including Karen Carson who drove Thelma crazy and loved her like her second mother. There are so many more people who are saddened by the passing of Thelma but celebrate that they had the opportunity to share time in the life of this such an amazing woman. Her quips and sense of humor will be missed, but not forgotten. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service Monday, January 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM in Congdon Street Baptist Church, 17 Congdon Street, Providence. Burial will follow in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. VISITATION Sunday 3:00-6:00 PM in the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com

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