Helen Ricks Rogers was born in Durant, Oklahoma on February 24, 1921 and died in Madison, Mississippi on January 12, 2021. She was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Henry C. Ricks. The family moved to Jackson, Ms. in 1928 where she attended Jackson public schools. She attended Millsaps College where she was a member of the Millsaps Singers, Vice President of Chi Omega sorority, editor of the Bobashela, and President of Sigma Lambda. Majoring in French, she graduated Cum Laude in 1942. That same year she married Nathaniel (Nat) S. Rogers. During and after World War II, she worked for Harvard University, MIT, and United Airlines. After her husband received his MBA from Harvard in 1947, they moved to Jackson, Ms. where he began his banking career with Deposit Guaranty National Bank. She became the mother of three children, Alice Rogers Fitzgibbon, John S. Rogers, and Lewis P. Rogers. During her years in Jackson, she was active in the P.T.A, served as President of the YWCA, The High Noon Club, The Monday Club, and The Pleiades Club. She was also a member of the Research Club and the Cosmos Club. She was a member of Galloway Memorial Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for 6 years and served on the Altar Guild.
In 1969 her husband joined First City National Bank in Houston, Texas. They joined St. Luke’s Methodist Church. In Houston she became a member of the River Oaks Rose Club and a charter member of the Shepherd Society of Rice University school of Music. She traveled to Europe and Asia with her husband and enjoyed many summers at their cottage in Linville, N.C. In 1996 she and her husband moved back to the Jackson area to St. Catherine’s Village where she was living at the time of her death. Her husband preceded her in death after their marriage of 73 years. She is survived by her children, Alice Fitzgibbon, Dr. John S. Rogers (Nadine), and Lewis P. Rogers (Grace); her grandchildren William E. Fitzgibbon IV (Victoria), Alex Rogers (Ginny), Michael Rogers, Katherine Rogers, Claire Rogers, Charlotte Rogers, Rebecca Bravender (Christopher), and Nathaniel Rogers II (Kyla). She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren (William E. Fitzgibbon V, Henry Fitzgibbon, Harrison Fitzgibbon, William Bravender, Mitchell Rogers, Parker Rogers, and Kate Rogers).
Her greatest joy in life was her relationship and companionship with her husband, her pride in the character and success of her children and grandchildren, and the wonderful time spent with many friends.
The family would suggest that any memorial gifts be made to the Helen and Nat Rogers Endowed Scholarship Fund at Millsaps College; 1701 North State Street, Jackson, Ms. 39210
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at St. Catherine’s Village for their support over many years.
Plans for a private family gathering are pending.
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