Dr. La Francis Rodgers-Rose, of Norfolk, VA, passed away on November 10, 2024, following a two-year battle with myelodysplastic syndrome. La Francis was born July 19, 1936, in Norfolk, VA to Carroll M. Rodgers and Beulah P. Rodgers (Smith). She grew up in segregated Portsmouth, VA, and was a proud graduate of the I.C. Norcom High School Class of 1954. La Francis earned a bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University (then College) in 1958, a master’s degree from Fisk University in 1960, and a doctorate from the University of Iowa in 1964, all in the field of sociology.
Dr. Rodgers-Rose taught sociology and African American Studies for more than 30 years at various colleges and universities, including St. Olaf College, Case Western Reserve University, Rutgers University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Drew University. She taught at Princeton University for 15 years and introduced the university’s first-ever course on the Black woman in 1975. Dr. Rodgers-Rose lectured extensively on Black history and culture, the Black woman, Black family, Black identity, rites of passage, and cultural diversity. She edited the acclaimed volume The Black Woman in 1980, the first comprehensive social science book published in Black Women Studies on the Black woman by Black women.
Dr. La Francis Rodgers-Rose was the past national president of the Association of Black Sociologists, past national president of the Association of Social Behavioral Scientists, and founder and president emerita of the International Black Women’s Congress. She was an active member of social, cultural, historical, and community organizations and received numerous honors and awards over the years, including being named a Fulbright Fellow to Africa and a Distinguished Sociology Scholar. Dr. Rodgers-Rose was a member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In 1993, she was enstooled as Nana Obaapanyin Akosua Asantewaa Ofosua I of Aburi, Ghana. Dr. Rodgers-Rose was given the gift of life when she received a heart transplant on October 19, 2002.
La Francis was preceded in death by her parents and five of her siblings. She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Rodgers; children Henry D. Rose (Cleo), Valija C. Rose (Daniel Blue), and adopted son, Brian Williams; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Cross and his staff at Virginia Oncology Associates, as well as the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Infusion Center staff, for their tremendous care over the last two years.
A memorial service to honor the legacy of Dr. La Francis Rodgers-Rose will be held on November 24, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Metropolitan Funeral Service, 120 W. Berkley Ave, Norfolk, VA. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omegaceremony will start at 11 a.m. The memorial service will be live streamed via Metropolitan’s website. In lieu of flowers, contribute to Donate Life at https://donatelife.net/how-you-can-help/contribute/give-to-dla/ and consider signing up to become an organ donor.
Condolences(18)-
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Bill and Nettie Lassiter says
November 16, 2024 at 9:54 amWe are really saddened to hear of the going home of our dear La Frances. May the love and comfort of knowing she and you are appreciated even now. Rest well our dear friend.
Alphonso Albert says
November 17, 2024 at 10:34 amMy sincere Condolences to Cynthia and the Family of this strong , Faithful, giant of a Soldier, serving on the Battlefield of the Lord. Doing great Works in the process.
Gloria Jean Mack Phillips says
November 17, 2024 at 3:09 pmLaFrancis Rogers-Rose was my babysitter, my sister, LaVerne and cousin, Monica, on Killian Avenue, in the Truxton Neighborhood in Portsmouth, Virginia. I have fond memories of she and Cynthia. We lost touch as we grew up. And I still remember her beautiful eyes and smile. She always spoke with a firm and caring voice and smile! She smiled with her eyes!
Jennifer L Johnson says
November 18, 2024 at 4:43 pmDr. Rogers-Rose was a wonderful and beautiful soul. May her legacy live on.
Amanda Gainer says
November 20, 2024 at 6:06 pmSending prayers of comfort and peace to the family.
Rose Program #3
Amanda Gainer says
November 20, 2024 at 6:08 pmSending prayers of comfort and peace to the family. Love never fails.
Rose Program #3
Doris A. Overton, Ed.D. says
November 24, 2024 at 6:44 amThe South Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter, Morgan State University Alumni Association, extends heartfelt condolences to Dr. La Francis’s family, colleagues and friends. Dr. La Francis was one of seven founders and Charter Members of our Chapter. Beyond her sacrifice of time and talent, Dr. La Francis’s wisdom and guidance can not be measured. Her legacy leaves an indelible imprint of love for her beloved Morgan State University in Hampton Roads.
Doris A. Overton, Ed.D. says
November 24, 2024 at 6:45 amThe South Hampton Roads Alumni Chapter, Morgan State University Alumni Association, extends heartfelt condolences to Dr. La Francis’s family, colleagues and friends. Dr. La Francis was one of seven founders and Charter Members of our Chapter. Beyond her sacrifice of time and talent, Dr. La Francis’s wisdom and guidance can not be measured. Her legacy leaves an indelible imprint of love for her beloved Morgan State University in Hampton Roads.
Audrey N. Mosley says
November 21, 2024 at 5:26 pmMy condolences to the family. Dr. La Francis embodied a beautiful spirit and infectious smile. A true trailblazer, her legacy will live on forever.
The Norfolk Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
Keshia says
November 23, 2024 at 9:27 amDr Rose thank you for all that you have taught me from King Tut to Matters Of The Heart. You and CeeCee are together. Rest In Peace. Going to miss you
Dr. Colita Nichols Fairfax says
November 23, 2024 at 1:28 pmSo sorry to receive the news of the passing of Dr. Rodgers-Rose. Dr. Rose was a giant in the field of Black Culture, Black Sociology, Womanism, and Black Social Work. I wish we had more time together. When we did talk, I thoroughly enjoyed what she had to say. Always forceful, always strong, always faithful to the task at hand, she weathered many storms. She shall be remembered as someone who held the banner high in our Black Freedom Struggle. Rest well Dr. Rodgers-Rose.
Georgia Dunston says
November 23, 2024 at 6:01 pmSincerest regrets to Cynthia and the family of Dr. La Francis Rodgers-Rose in the loss of our giant in the global community of Black women and the science of African people and human spirituality.
Georgia Dunston says
November 23, 2024 at 6:12 pmSincerest regrets to Cynthia and the family of Dr. La Francis Rodgers-Rose in the loss of our giant in the global community of Black women and the science of African people and human spirituality. Dr. Rodgers’ legacy will live in our hearts and in the scientific literature. She was indeed a gifted scholar, dedicated teacher,
highly respected and beloved colleague & friend.
Shanette M. Harris says
November 24, 2024 at 2:22 amDr. Rodgers-Rose: I am greatly saddened that you had to leave us. You served as an outstanding role model and I was blessed in many ways when our paths crossed years ago. Please rest now from your labor and all that you contributed to African heritage women across the globe. You will not be forgotten.
Georgia Dunston says
November 23, 2024 at 6:27 pmareyour contribution to science are a matter of record. TRUTH IS FOREVER as you are now. you reat in enjoy your reward and fruit of your labor.
Georgia Dunston says
November 23, 2024 at 6:36 pmYour contributions to science are a matter of record. TRUTH IS FOREVER,jjust as you are now. Rest in peace my friend and may you enjoy your reward and the fruit of your labor from a life well lived!!!
Cheryl Etheridge says
November 24, 2024 at 11:34 amIt saddens me to hear of our mentors passing. She was a teacher, family, and friend to me, my husband Trevis Etheridge (who passed on September 10, 2024) and our children. She is loved and will be sorely missed.
Prayers and condolences to the family.
Maria Antonieta Flores says
November 24, 2024 at 11:41 amSincere Condolences.
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