By Jerry Goodwin
Eagle Contributing Writer
A community activist and noted leader for the City of Tulsa, and a vocal voice and staunch champion for north Tulsa with an unyielding faith in her God has passed.
Joyce Ann Rogers passed away on Nov. 16. She served the City of Tulsa and her north Tulsa community as a dedicated advocate and spokesperson.
Rogers was born to Erskin Rogers Sr. and Willie Mae Rogers on July 3, 1942 in Tullahassee, Okla. She attended Carter G. Woodson Grade School and graduated from its high school in 1960. She was a devoted member of Pinkard Chapel CME Church in her hometown.
After high school, Rogers moved to Tulsa and met her husband, Johnnie Lee Jordan, who preceded her in death. Together, they had two daughters, Pamela and Cynthia.
During her life of service, she was a member of the NAACP and other Tulsa organizations.
She was recognized and received awards from the following associations: NTEDI (North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative, Inc.) – Diamond Community Servant Award; NAACP Youth Council Freedom Fund – “On the Shoulders of Giants” President’s Award; American Red Cross – Everyday Hero Award; Oklahoma State Department of Education – Human Rights Award; and the U. S. Bureau of the Census – Tulsa NAACP.
When not serving her community or engaging the ear and attention of an elected or appointed official, Rogers loved crossword puzzles, visiting casinos and listening to music.
She was preceded in death by her mother (Willie Mae), father (Erskin Sr.), three brothers (Nathaniel, Jerry and Danny) and one sister (Gwendolyn).
She is survived by two sisters, Vernell Morton (Tulsa) and Artelia Rogers (Portland, Ore.); two brothers, Erskin Rogers Jr. (Margaret) (Tulsa) and Brent Rogers (Claremore); daughters, Pamela Rogers and Cynthia Rogers-Ellis (George), both of Tulsa; two granddaughters, Keana Coleman (Kansas City, Mo.) and Kyla Rogers (Tulsa); three great-grandchildren, Jazmine, Kanbren and Jai’cee (Kansas City, Mo.); nieces and nephews, Richard Jr., Chris, Keith, Gary, Clarence, Michelle, Felicia, Trameca, Ashley, Quinten, Terence, Tenika, Trent Sr., Antonio, Brent Jr., Destini, Daniel, Monique; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and loving friends.
Services are scheduled for Nov. 23 at 12 p.m. at Holsey Chapel CME Church, 1804 E. 48th St. N. in Tulsa. Family and public viewing is Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Butler-Stumpff Dyer Funeral Home, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa.
