William Douglas Rodgers

Mr. William Douglas Rodgers was born Dec. 26, 1953, in Chicago to Louise Hall-White and Bishop T.J. Rogers. William, many knew him as "Sleepy," was a longtime resident of Blytheville, where he graduated from Blytheville High School. Through much fasting and praying from those who loved him, God touched William's heart, mind, and soul as God truly changed his lifestyle and converted him into the preacher that He wanted William to be.

William was an active member of Prince of Peace Church under the leadership of his father, the late Bishop T.J. Rogers. He later joined West End Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Andrew Mitchell. At West End, William was over NBC (BTU), Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and accepted the call to preach and was ordained into the ministry and became the Assistant Pastor at West End until his health started declining.

After his health started to decline, William moved to Oklahoma City with his baby sister, Cathy Brooks, and her family. Then finally, he moved to Richton Park to be near his older brother, Larry Rogers Sr. William Sr. always maintained a positive spiritual attitude, never complaining, but encouraging others to trust in the Lord, even during his own declining health. He found himself somewhat like Apostle Paul: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." (Philippians 4:11).

God, the Father, called Rev. Rodgers (Sleepy) home to be with Him Monday, April 15, 2013. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Hall-White; his father, Bishop T.J. Rogers; his step-father, Homer White, his wife, Mary Ella Austin-Rodgers, and his sisters, Cathy Brooks, Jerry Mae Taylor, LaVern Jackson and Connie Jackson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Shakita Natasha Weaver of Blytheville;

His son, William Douglas Rodgers Jr. of Conway;

Two granddaughters, Dorynda Middleton and Gabriella Middleton of Blytheville;

His step-mother, Mrs. Tallie Ann Rogers of Blytheville;

Fifteen sisters, Pastor Linda Faye (and Daniel) Pomerlec of Mountain Home, Mrs. Pamela Rogers of Chicago, Evangelist Barbara (and Roderick) Mitchell of Irving, Mrs. Mary Helen (and Darrell) Rieves, Margaree (and Albert) Jones, and Mrs. Tallie Ann Anderson, all of Tampa, Fla., Mrs. Johnnie Booker of Greenville, Miss., Mrs. Diane (and Robert) Moss, Mrs. Aretha (and Lorenzo) Perry, Mrs. Hazel (and Robert) Mays, Ms. Ethel (and Jerry) Marshall, and Mrs. Darlene (and Jeff) Webb, all of Blytheville;

Nine brothers, Pastor Larry (and Faye) Rogers Sr. of Olympia Fields, Melvin Rogers of Orlando, Fla., Michael J. White of Grady, Elder Charles Rogers, Pastor Timothy James (and Shireta) Rogers, John (and Evette) Guyton, and Jerry (and Barbara) Guyton, all of Blytheville, Michael Guyton of Dallas, and Marshall Guyton of East St. Louis, Ill.; and

Many loving nieces and nephews who will miss Uncle Sleepy, cousins, friends, acquaintances, and well-wishers.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2013, at Israel Methodist Community Church in Chicago, where Larry Rogers Sr. is Pastor. The eulogy was given by the Rev. Dr. Andrew Mitchell of West End Missionary Baptist Church in Blytheville.

Flowers and cards can be sent to Israel Methodist Community Church, 7620 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL, 60619, Pastor Larry Rogers, Sr.

Please keep the family in prayer.