Mary Rogers Gray

Mary Rogers Gray, her legal name on that final day in August, was more happily known as Mary Rogers Robertson and Mom in life. She was born in June of 1941 and was one of six children born to the late Maxine Cava Atkins (Tinker) and Samuel Bathay (S.B.) Rogers Jr. Mary described them as the most loving parents that were such an attractive couple. Mary was the second born, following the lead of her older sister, Linda. Born in Monroe, Louisiana, she was followed by her sisters Sandra and Judy, and brothers Bernie and Henry.

In her younger years, Mary was known to all as “Mary Sue”. Mary Sue loved living in the house that everyone visited as a child. She bragged about the playground her father built. She had a special interest in music. Mary Sue loved listening to music and dancing with her sisters. As a shy person with unshakeable stage fright, Mary Sue found comfort singing in groups. Her love of performance continued into high school, where she joined the Rebelettes, the pep squad for the West Monroe High School football team.

Mary Sue experienced personal development while attending college, as many do, and began introducing herself as “Mary”. Mary attended Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), now known as University of Louisiana Monroe, where she would achieve a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She began the career she “loved”, teaching elementary students, in Houma, Louisiana. Due to her love for math and accounting, she struggled to decide which career was the best fit for her, but as she noted, “the kids won.” Her “love for children” was the reason she became a phenomenal elementary teacher. Mary enjoyed every one of the 38 years she devoted to educating children and never thought about another career again.

While teaching in Houma, Mary and her friends from college would travel to Daytona Beach for the summer. They would rent an apartment and go to the beach often. On one of those trips she met, in her words, “my first true love”, Buddy Robertson. According to Mary, it was love at first sight for both of them. Mary was 26 years old when they met, and married Buddy three years later. They joyfully welcomed their only child Michelle into the world in their first year of marriage.

Mary believed her “life could not have been any better!” They lived paycheck to paycheck and never owned a home, but she did not worry about money. What mattered to her was the love…” loving them and being loved by them!” Her days with Buddy and Michelle were Mary’s “happiest days”. Mary had to continue on without Buddy, who died after seven and half years of marriage. As a hard-working, single parent, Mary strived to be a role model for Michelle, teaching her morals, love of self and others, and forgiveness.

My mom taught me all of this and so much more. She surrounded me with unconditional love, inspiring me to be a strong and compassionate woman. She encouraged me to try, even when I was unsure. Her advice always helped guide me through uncertainty.

Mary experienced other loss in her life, including her sisters Linda, Sandra, and Judy. Gone way too soon, were her nephew, Butch, and niece, Cindy. Left with so many beautiful memories are her daughter Michelle and son-in-law Paul, brothers Bernie and Henry, brother-in-law Larry, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of a formal service, her family would ask that you think of Mary and do something in her honor. Turn up the music and dance…watch an episode of Golden Girls and laugh out loud…kick back in a recliner with your favorite snack and enjoy the romantic comedy, Pretty Woman…get out there and find a beautiful location for a picnic…take in some sun on your favorite beach…or have an honest and loving conversation with someone important in your life. I’m certain Mary would also welcome your prayers on behalf of her loved ones that miss her so deeply.

Forever loving you, Mom!