Zera Lee Cox Rodgers

Zera Cox was born in Midway, Alabama, the seventh of eleven children born to John and Alma Cox. Raised in the close-knit farming community of Midway, she developed the unwavering faith, strong work ethic, and a servant’s heart. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Center Ridge School and met the love of her life, Clifford Rodgers. They were united in Holy Matrimony in 1948 and shared forty years of marriage until his passing in 1988. Together, they were blessed with eight children. Mother Rodgers united with Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Peter L. Lias. Throughout her years of faithful service, she served in many capacities within the body of Christ. Committed to lifelong learning, she graduated from Charles R. Drew High School in 1967 and later completed her nursing training at Orlando Vocational Technical Center. Affectionately known as “Mudear”, Mother Rodgers was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Following the untimely passing of the mother of four of her grandchildren, she lovingly opened her home to help her son, Donald, raise four of his children. She also found joy tending in her flower and vegetable gardens, reflecting the nurturing spirit with which she cultivated not only the earth but also the lives of everyone around her. In September 2017, Mother Rodgers united with the Church of God of Prophecy under the leadership of Bishop Cornelius Williams until his retirement and later continued faithfully under Pastor Aurelius Williams. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford Rodgers; her parents, John and Alma Cox; her son, Clifford O. Rodgers; four brothers: Curtis Cox, Rudolph Cox, Vernell Cox, and John L. Cox; three sisters: Lula Pearl Johnson, Ezella Williams, and Iresa Bell Williams; nephews, Leon Graham and Jesse Graham; and many other cherished loved ones. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving children: Hazel Williams of Orlando, Florida, Donald Rodgers (Marvelous) of Clermont, Florida, Marian Donaldson of Orlando, Florida, Vanessa Jones (Glennis) of Orlando, Florida, Thomas Rodgers of Madison, Florida, Allister Rodgers of Ocoee, Florida, and Gladys Coates of Orlando, Florida; 32 grandchildren, 103 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; her sisters: Myrtle Jones of Detroit, Michigan, Mildred Shelton of Chicago, Illinois, and Alma Dorsey of Detroit, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, neighbors, and her beloved church family. Final arrangements entrusted to: Carter Funeral Home. 302 Carter Street Union Springs, Alabama 36089 1-334-738-3020

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Zera Lee Cox Rodgers

May 5, 1930 - July 25, 2026