Dorothy A. Rodgers

On Monday, April 19, 2021, Dorothy Addie Rodgers, affectionately known as “Aunt Dukie”, peacefully made her heavenly transition from labor to rest.  Born on June 21, 1931, Dorothy was the youngest of 13 children born to Robert Rodgers Sr. and Armecia Boone Rodgers in Norfolk County, Virginia. As a young girl, Dorothy was nicknamed “Dukie” by her father, which she
carried for a lifetime.  She is predeceased by her parents, 11 siblings, stepson Johnny “Rock” Ford, brother-in-law Deacon Samuel L. Stokes, niece Arleen Taylor, and nephew Leon Stokes.

Dorothy was educated in Norfolk County. After becoming an adult, she went on to work with Norfolk Public Schools for over 25 years until her retirement. Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age and was a long time and faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. She served on the Deaconess Board, Missionary Society, Golden Age Support Group, Pastor’s Aide, Hospitality Ministry, Jake Manley Usher Board, and sang with the Music Ministry. On Sunday mornings, you could hear her cries of “Lord, I thank you!”, as she felt the spirit move at Bethany.

Despite not having her own children, Aunt Dukie was a mother figure to many. Anytime a babysitter was needed, she was always available and willing to care for the well-being of others.  After her retirement from Norfolk Public School System, Aunt Dukie’s passion for children continued, which she later fed through volunteerism at St. Helena Elementary School. She enjoyed serving as chaperone on field trips and participated in school functions for her great-great niece and great-great nephew.  As her great-great niece and great-great nephew aged, Aunt Dukie began spending time at the Berkley Senior Center.  While at the Berkley Senior Center, she loved the weekly outings, showing creativity through arts and crafts projects, and socializing with fellow seniors.  Aunt Dukie was a staple at family functions and was loved by her extended family and friends.

For 89 blessed years, Dorothy’s steps were ordered by God.  She was a faithful servant and lived a full life. She will be missed, but she left reminders for her family and friends.  Often, she would remind family to not mourn her, but to rather rejoice that she has received her final rest.  For whatever her station is in life, it was well with her soul.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her great nephew, Gerald L. Stokes (Ebony); her great-great niece and nephew, Kiyah and Gerald Stokes II, whom she helped to raise and she loved like her own children, stepson Dentro Ford (Lola), sister Gladys Jones, two nieces Sandra Spriggs and Armecia Louise Stokes, nephew Linwood Stokes (Brenda); great nephews, James Spriggs IV and Sean Spriggs, four very special friends, Ms. Ruth Adams, Mrs. Tammy Benton, Mrs. Barbara Mayo and Mrs. Marian Townes, her nurse Chanille Ross, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.