Betty Ann Rogerson

Betty Ann Wynne Rogerson, 76, died peacefully at her home in Raleigh on a beautiful Sunday morning, November 25, 2018. She is survived by her daughter Anissa Rogerson Ferris, son-in-law Michael P. Ferris and grandson Ethan Ferris; and her son Asa Benjamin Rogerson, Jr, daughter-in-law Alicia H. Rogerson and grandchildren AJ Rogerson, Brody Rogerson, and Skylar Rogerson. She is also survived by her brother Jerry Rogerson, sister-in-law Carolyn Rogerson; sister-in-law Sandra Wynne, and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her dear companion and childhood friend Nick Rawls. Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Asa Benjamin Rogerson, Sr (Benny), who she faithfully served in his last years with ALS, as well as her brother Kirby Wynne. And, her faithful, furry friend, Lilly, will miss her very much.

Betty was born on December 19, 1941 to Jesse and Myrtle Wynne in Washington, NC. The family worked together on the farm and in the country store they owned. At the store, Betty learned from her parents the value of working hard and being a good neighbor to all in the community. She always had fond memories of being in the store listening to her father and neighbors sing and play the guitar. She graduated from East Carolina with a teaching degree and began a lifelong journey of learning, and she was a dependable presence to those around her.

She and Benny married in August 1965 and moved to Blacksburg, VA for 2 years for him to finish graduate school. She loved teaching in the Blacksburg area and, as a girl from Eastern NC, was amazed at how much snow the mountain region would generate. In 1967, Betty and Benny moved to Raleigh and began a life of community and church involvement. They were instrumental in starting St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in 1974, where they formed many lifelong friendships. She was active in her children’s activities, serving many times as PTA chair or room mother. Her car charted many miles taking Anissa and Asa to their many sport practices and church activities. The family enjoyed piggy-backing on Benny’s work trips to see and learn about interesting places in the country. Betty loved maintaining a beautiful home that offered hospitality for Bible studies, FCA functions, Grace Community Covenant group dinners, and card games with the Red Hat ladies.

In the late 80s, Betty began teaching history again, first at Millbrook High School and later, Wake Forest-Rolesville Middle School. She loved teaching World History and showing young people how things came to be.

A few years after Benny passed away, Betty went to a first-grade reunion at Old Ford School outside of “little” Washington and reconnected with an old friend, Nick Rawls. These last fifteen years they enjoyed being companions. They traveled a lot to the mountains, the beach and many interesting spots in the states. They rarely missed one of the grandchildren’s sporting events. When Betty began struggling with dementia and multiple bone surgeries, Nick has always been a very loyal friend and caregiver which the family will forever be grateful. We are also very grateful for the wonderful caregivers who have been a part of Betty’s life: Rahab Frazer, Diana Kamau, Alice Wekesa, and Virginia Kuria. Their kindness and deep faith have been a deep support to the whole family. We are also grateful for the good work of Heartland Hospice in these last months.

A service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, November 30 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at 1701 E. Millbrook Road. A short visitation will take place 30 minutes prior at 11:30 AM. The family will have a drop-in reception at Betty’s home on Thursday, November 29, 7-9 PM. Burial will take place at 4:00 at PM Woodlawn Cemetery in Williamston, NC among family and friends from “down-home.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to Grace Community Church Youth Ministry at 7041 Old Wake Forest Rd, #107 Raleigh, NC 27616.