Carole Rogers

Carole Jones Rogers, 83, of Worthington Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family’s love and support while holding her son’s hand, on February 27, 2021 at Riverside hospital. Carole was born Carole Sue Jones on May 13, 1937 to parents Albert and Carrie Jones of Powellville, MD. Carole is survived by her daughter Caroline Rogers Massey of Greenbackville VA, her son, Robert Jones Rogers of Worthington, OH, and granddaughter Olivia Caroline Massey of New York City, NY. Carole is also survived by many cousins, extended family, and friends on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Carole graduated from Wicomico High School, in Salisbury, MD in 1955. She graduated from Hood College in Frederick MD in 1959 as a member of the honor society and class president. She also earned her master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1976. She began her professional life as a High School history teacher in Baltimore MD.

Carole led a remarkable life centered on devotion to her family, her community and social activism, and circles of strong lifetime women friends. Carole was a devoted daughter to her parents, a loving, proud, and inspiring mother to her daughter Caroline, her son Bobby, and her granddaughter Olivia. Family holiday gatherings, skiing trips in Pennsylvania, and trips to her favorite spot, the ocean, are memories her family cherish. Carole’s home was always full of Caroline and Bobby’s friends who treasured Carole for the wit, inspiration, ear, and shoulder she provided them.

Carole had always been a champion for social justice and a voice for those who need one. From civil rights protests in the 1960’s to leading school desegregation efforts, local, state, and national political campaigns, Carole was a born volunteer, organizer and leader. Carole was the Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood in Ohio for many years, lobbying on behalf of health access for poor women. Carole was recognized for her outstanding professional achievements by many organizations including the Ohio Senate, Ohio House of Representatives, and Senator John Glenn.

Carole surrounded herself with intelligent, funny, and strong women friends. From high school friend Rosalee, to college friends Judy, Anne, Gayle, and Mary Lou, they talked often sharing stories, political observations, interesting books, and memories of many trips together. For almost 50 years she shared the lives of central Ohio friends Carole, Sara, Jane, Debbie, Margo, and Sharon, and Louise and Jane who retired to Arizona. From Picnic with the Pops, Red White and Boom, Buckeye football parties, to art exhibitions, ballet, theater, and jazz, Carole loved reading and book club, the arts, and was always the life of the party. Many dear friends including Lou Briggs and Carol Brigham have preceded her in death and have hopefully reunited in friendship once more.

In honor of Carole’s passions, donations may be made in her memory to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood of Ohio or the Columbus Jazz Arts Group.