Margaret Rodgers

- On Saturday, December 23rd, 2023, Margaret Dotson Rodgers passed peacefully into glory at Grace Home Care in West Knoxville at the age of 103. By any measure, not just longevity, Margaret lived an amazingly full, productive, and most importantly, faithful life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Margaret was born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1920 in Winona, Mississippi, to Maggie and Bose Dotson. Because her mother passed away seven years later and her father was a traveling salesman, Margaret was raised by her three older sisters, Louise, Lorraine, and Davie Mae at the home of someone whom Margaret was told was “an aunt.” Margaret never spoke much about that period of time until recently and then only to say that she felt, not surprisingly, like “an orphan.” The bond among the sisters was unbreakable. Our family can recall only laughter and cheerfulness when any of the sisters got together. But without question, the bond between Margaret, the youngest, and Louise, the oldest, was especially strong. Louise became Margaret’s surrogate Mom. After sister Louise married her first husband Woody, Margaret joined them in Memphis and worked as a secretary. The trio moved to Highland Park in Dallas, TX for Woody’s work and Margaret again found employment as a secretary. Although Margaret and Louise were raised as Southern Baptists, Margaret, Louise, and Woody all became members of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church. And God was definitely at work because it was in the Sunday School Class for Young Adults that Margaret met the handsome young president of that class, Arthur “Pat” Rodgers, Jr. Margaret, of course, was attending that class for all of the right reasons— to learn and grow in her faith and to meet other young folks. On the other hand, Pat was there for one, and only one, reason—to meet all of the young single ladies attending the class (it was apparently Pat’s primary base of operations in the Dallas area).

Margaret was quite flattered when Pat soon asked her out on a date. Margaret said that Pat looked exactly like the movie idol, Robert Mitchum (and he actually did). It was only later that Margaret discovered that Pat had already courted all of the other young single ladies in the class and that she was the new fresh pretty face in the class. God was definitely at work in this union, and with the approval of Woody and Louise, Margaret and Pat were married at Highland Park Presbyterian Church on May 17, 1945. Because Pat had grown up in East Tennessee (Loudon County) and because Texas offered no mountains and, according to Pat, only “pitiful excuses for lakes and rivers,” the newlyweds moved to Knoxville in the late 40’s. Shortly afterwards, the couple joined a very new church, Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church. The couple plus their two children, Clifford and Louise, remained loyal and active members of SHPC until the late 60’s when they joined Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church where Margaret was involved with various women’s groups.

After Pat passed away in 1992, and after Louise and Clifford had joined other churches in the area, Margaret joined a smaller church, West Hills Presbyterian Church in 2001. She was an active member until 2022. On what would have been Pat’s 110 birthday and at the age of 101, Margaret rejoined SHPC from her bed at Northshore Senior Living. But more important than her church memberships was her relationship with Jesus Christ—she would diligently make notes so she could pray with specificity for others; she was a “prayer warrior” before the term became in vogue. Anyone in Margaret’s orbit was always blessed with her wisdom, guidance, generosity, and laughter. Margaret was an outstanding chef well known to family, friends, and the community for such delicacies as spoon bread and pecan pies. Consequently, her hospitality manifested itself in cooking soups, casseroles, and other tasty dishes for neighbors, friends, and fellow church members. Margaret loved being around folks, especially her neighbors at The Meadows, often hosting bridge club days and UT game day celebrations. Remarkably, Margaret remained in great health, mentally and physically, until she was 100. In fact, Margaret was still driving to church and to the grocery store until she was 95. At that point, our angel Betty Jo Morgan entered Margaret’s life to assist with various tasks when she could no longer drive. But with time, Betty Jo became more than just her assistant and nurse—she also became her best friend, sister, and confidant.

As previously noted, Margaret was predeceased not only by her parents, sisters, and husband but also by her granddaughter, Margaret Rhea “Rhett” Rodgers. She is survived by her two children, Louise Frazier (Winston) and Clifford Rodgers (Margaret); three grandchildren, Ryan Fogarty, Tyler Fogarty (Marianna Jablonski), and Colton Rodgers; and the five Fogarty great-grandchildren, Phoenix, Amaya, Wilder, Sullivan, and Parks. Besides Betty Jo, the family would like to thank David, Angela, and Beverly at Grace Home Manor, Pastor Peter Gakura and Nurse Niko P at UT Hospice, and the many folks at Northshore Senior Living for their compassion, care, and love.

The family will hold a private graveside service at Steekee Cemetery in Loudon on Saturday, February 24 at 3 pm with the Rev. Mark Lampley officiating. A receiving of friends will be held in Barron Hall at SHPC on Sunday, February 25 from 3 to 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SHPC, 3700 Keowee Ave., Knoxville 37919 or to UT Hospice Promise Foundation (mail check to UT Hospice, 4435 Valley View Dr., Knoxville 37917).

The family would like to close with Margaret’s final written words which, while ostensibly addressed to her “pastor,” were meant for all of us: We have all known servants of God, who have left the stage of this life. They are in a better place, and one day, perhaps soon, the trumpet of God will sound for all who believe on Him. What a day of rejoicing that will be. My God, family, and friends have meant so much to me.

Only one life will pass and what is done for Christ and in His Name will last. Be obedient to God. Be kind and generous and serve others. Love the Word of God and love one another as Christ loved us.

I Peter 1: 3-7; Romans 8: 28; Psalm 91; John 14: 2-6; Philippians 1: 21; and John 11: 25-26.