Judy Johnson Rogers

Judy was born on February 27, 1948 in Endicott, NY to Ralph and Betty Johnson, and the family moved to Raleigh the summer before her senior year of high school. She graduated from Broughton High School in 1966 and then attended the University of North Carolina, where she was an active member of the Lutheran Student Ministry and the Tarheel marching band.

While in Chapel Hill, Judy met Gerry Rogers and the two married in August 1969, returning to campus just in time to start their senior year. After college, they settled in Fuquay- Varina, where Gerry began a career in banking and Judy, who had majored in education, quickly transitioned to a career in insurance. The couple went on to have two beloved children, Katie and John, a mere 369 days apart.

Judy spent almost 40 years in the commercial insurance industry, primarily focusing on underwriting and reinsurance. In 1981, she was transferred to Orlando, FL, where the whole family enjoyed playing countless rounds of golf and hosting their North Carolina relatives. They moved back to Raleigh in 1990 where they relished a rich community of neighbors, church family, and friends.

Someone once described Judy as having two main modes–“on” and “off.” Her family often referred to her as the Energizer Bunny. Throughout her life, Judy never wanted to waste a moment.

She spent much of her time serving others, which came naturally to her. For 30 years, Judy volunteered at UNC Rex Hospital (the same hospital where, while in labor with her first child, she and Gerry waited until midnight to check in to save an extra day on their hospital bill).

Judy gave much of herself to First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. She was a lay reader, deacon, Elder, Moderator of the Session, Bolivia medical mission team participant, front desk volunteer on Monday mornings, and outreach volunteer on Wednesdays. Judy was also a leader with Triangle Area Stephen Ministries, and a participant and leader with women’s Bible Study Fellowship in Raleigh. Her commitment to serving the church was always joyful, never dutiful, and was woven through her life from childhood until her death.

True to form, Judy didn’t slow down when she retired. She played more golf than ever, in leagues and with girlfriends. She picked up sewing again, learning to quilt and helping many family members with mending and hemming. She took countless exercise classes, participated in a LiveStrong support group, and even tried chair drumming.

Most of all, she used the freedom of retirement to enjoy her grandkids. She was their biggest fan at sporting events and performances, and she never missed a grandparent’s day at school.

Judy was among one of the first residents of the 6000 building at Glenaire in Cary. She embraced all the community had to offer and made many new friends. Glenaire quickly became more than an address; it became a joyful and rich community whose support was especially meaningful following Gerry’s death in March 2025. The Rogers family is forever grateful to the sixth floor neighbors and other Glenaire friends who supported Judy and her family when she needed it the most.

The family is also grateful for the remarkable care that Judy received from the team at UNC’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in the three years following Judy’s diagnosis with neuroendocrine tumors.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Gerry Rogers. She is survived by her children, Katie [Jon] McCargo of Leland, NC, and John [Trina] Rogers of Carrboro, NC, as well as her grandchildren Liza Rogers of Knoxville, TN, and Cate and James Rogers of Carrboro, NC. She is also survived by her sister Josey [Allan] Warrington of Treasure Island, FL, and sisters-in-law Meg [John] Taylor of Raleigh, and Frances [Gary] Upchurch of Greensboro, NC, as well as many beloved nieces, great nieces and nephews.

A service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh at 11am on Thursday, July 9. There will be time to visit after the service at the church and a reception later that day at Glenaire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Friendship Fund.