Maebelle Black Rogers

Surrounded by her family, Maebelle Black Rogers, 91, entered into eternal life on Wednesday evening April 8, 2015 at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Maebelle was one of six children born to Charlie and Inez Black in Easley, South Carolina. At the age of 10, following her mother's sudden death, Maebelle assumed the role of cook and caregiver to her siblings which included a two-month-old child. Additionally, Maebelle, who had never before prepared a meal or made a pan of biscuits, was assigned the task of cooking the daily meals for the men who worked in the fields; she often lamented that she felt sorry for them.

Maebelle followed her sister, Rosie, to Baltimore, Maryland where she met her future husband, JM Rogers. She was employed as a time keeper for The Glenn L. Martin Company. Following JM's career as a Merchant Marine Engineer, the couple moved to Norfolk, Virginia and eventually made their permanent home in Virginia Beach. She worked as a cook on the lunch counter for Settles Drug Store in Norfolk, a caterer for Kempsville Golf and Country Club, and a professional cook for Sandler Foods where she retired from many years of dedicated service.

Throughout her life, Maebelle enjoyed gardening. As a young child, she planted and harvested cotton on her family's farm. Her father wondered why the rows of cotton that Maebelle planted yielded more than the others; simply put, Maebelle did not thin her rows. She later admitted that she could not destroy the young seedlings. It was at that point the practice of thinning rows on the farm was discontinued!

Maebelle and JM enjoyed many years of gardening and preserving fruits and vegetables. She planted and maintained colorful and flourishing flower beds at her home in Virginia Beach and later when she resided with her son and daughter-in-law in their Winston-Salem home. She never met a seed that she didn't plant nor discarded a tender seedling without patiently "waiting to see what it is."

Maebelle continued her love for gardening and cooking until her late eighties. She moved to Rock Hill in 2008 to be close to her daughter, Rachel. It was not uncommon for her to summon the girls (Rachel, Karen, Barrie, and Linda) to dinner. She often stated that they were all working, and the least she could do was prepare a hot meal (with copious amount of leftovers) for them. She was also an avid reader; reading several books each week until poor health prevented her from doing so.

Following a sudden illness, Maebelle moved to White Oak Manor, where she resided for two and a half years. During her residency at WOM, Maebelle made many friends, predominantly facility staff. She kept a watchful eye on her roommates and summoned for help if needed.

Maebelle was predeceased by her husband, JM Rogers; siblings, John, Fulton, Morris, Tommy, and Rosa, and half-siblings Leon and Donald Black. She is survived by her son, Jimmie (Janet Taxis Rogers); daughter, Rachel (Karen Gilson); adopted daughter and "Running Buddy," Linda Beckham; half-brother and -sister, Joel Black and Helen Black Day; two grandsons; numerous nieces and nephews; and many members of her "chosen" family.

The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to her dedicated caregivers from White Oak Manor, Hospice and Community Care, and the staff of Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations and memorials to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 993 Rock Hill, SC 29731 or "set out a few plants" in your yard to honor Maebelle's love for flowers and gardening.

Whitesell Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made at www.whitesellfuneralhome.net.

Celebration of life service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, April 24th, in community room at Hospice and Community Care at,
2275 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill.

Maebelle never said goodbye; and if someone ever told her goodbye, she corrected them by saying "Just so long," or "God willing and the creek don't rise, I'll see you next time."