Serena Rogers Obituary



Serena Sue Hill Rogers, 73, of Kinston, N.C., died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.

She received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from East Carolina University and started her career as a classroom teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. From there, she moved to the Wake County schools and spent a total of 20 years in the classroom before becoming the first media and technology supervisor in the Lenoir County Schools. She went on to serve as an instructional technology consultant at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction before retiring in 2000.

She was a lifelong educator and worked at both the state and local levels. She then spent her retirement years in Kinston and Lenoir County in the midst of family and friends.

She received numerous awards and recognitions during her tenure as an educator. Chief among them were the North Carolina Communication and Technology Service Award (2002); North Carolina SIMS Administrator Award of Honor (1993); Administrator of the Year, District 12 (1992); Administrator of the Year in Lenoir County (1991); and North Carolina Technology Educator of the Year (1990).

She was a member of Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston and served as a choir member, organist, pianist and deacon there. She was also a Toastmaster International and Kinston Noon Rotary Club member.

She enjoyed entertaining, gardening, reading, playing the piano, baking bread and playing bridge. She spent hours nurturing others through visits, taking food, notes, phone calls and more.

She was beloved by many people in Lenoir County and across the state. Her gentle presence, faith, encouraging words and spirit proved a source of inspiration for many people.

She dealt with numerous medical conditions and challenges but never bowed to them. She helped others while struggling to maintain her own health. Oftentimes, no one except her doctors really knew just how sick she was. Her family was graced by her presence many more years than they or doctors expected.

Surviving are son Ben C. Rogers and wife Claudia, of Westminster; sister Eleanor H. Goettee and husband Joe, of Cary, N.C.; brother Roger P. Hill and wife Ann, of Wilmington, N.C.; brother Douglass B. Hill and friend, David McElhannon, of Charlotte, N.C.; grandsons Daniel Rogers, of Columbus, Ohio and Willem Rogers, of Westminster; a close friend, Jim Waller, of Kinston, N.C.; nephews Scott Hill, of Chocowinity, N.C., Brad Goettee, of San Diego, Calif., and Matt Goettee, of Raleigh, N.C.; and a niece, Robin Hankins, of Burlington, N.C.

She was predeceased by her son's father, Ben R. Rogers; her mother, Gladys S. Hill; a sister, Marsha W. Reidhill; and her father, W. Whitford Hill.

The family will receive friends at 2 p.m. Saturday at Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston. The family will also receive friends at her home on 2816 Cherry Lane, Kinston.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Liver Foundation, P.O. Box 5218, Toms River, NJ 08754.

Online condolences may be offered at www.pinkhillfuneralhome.com.

Sign this guest book online at www.carrollcountytimes.com.

Published by Carroll County Times on Dec. 26, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Serena Rogers

Not sure what to say?





a wonderful, thoughtful friend who will be missed by all who knew her. she set an example for all of us to follow.

Ramona KirkmN

January 4, 2014

Marjorie K. Moore, Kinston, NC

January 2, 2014

Sue was one of the most sweet and kind ladies that I have ever meet. She was not only elegant and beautiful on the outside, she was most beautiful inside. I am glad I had the opportunity to know her. she will surely be missed, but heaven will be an even sweeter place.

Shelia Stroud

December 30, 2013

roses are red violets are blue I want you to know I love you. you were the best woman in the world. I loved that she was kind and helpful. I loved that women like she was my grandma. when I heard that she had been sick I started to cry. she inspired me to want to play the piano. I will never for get her.

Emily

emily meynardie

December 29, 2013

What a beautiful,gracious lady she was. I met her many years ago in a dance class. She always had a kind word, and even in sickness kept her smile and positive attitude to help others. Sat with her at doctor visits when my Mom was ill with the same health issues. May precious memories give you peace and comfort during this time knowing she left beautiful footprints in the lives of many. RIP beautiful, sweet lady.

Dean Benson

December 28, 2013

Very special lady with a beautiful spirit. Always a pleasure to see her at family gatherings.

Keith Butner

December 27, 2013

You have our deepest sympathy.

Craig/Lois Hill

December 27, 2013

Sue was a special lady who enriched every life she touched. Her smile and caring approach brightened every room she entered. No one will ever have a greater attitude about health struggles than Sue did. She set a high standard for us all. My sympathies to everyone.

Margaret Bingham

December 27, 2013

Sue was such a special lady. Larry and I had the privilege of meeting her through the American Liver Foundation. Our prayers go out to her family. She touched and impacted so many lives.

Teresa and Larry Bordeaux

December 27, 2013

Ms. Sue- so many times when I felt my lowest you picked me up-I am so glad to have met you and I thank you for your kindness.

Malissa Sutton

December 27, 2013

Dear Doug, I am so sorry for your loss. Sue must have been a very special lady! I would love to have known such a wonderful educator and friend. She must have been remarkable. Prayers are with you as you walk through this difficult time.

Sharon Willis

December 27, 2013

Sue was such a wonderful example for everyone. Will never forget her and the good times we had when we were newly weds.

Sarah and Gene Persinger

December 27, 2013

My sympathy and love to Jim and to Sue's loving family. She fought a courageous fight and was an example of Christian love
to all she came in contact. May we follow her example!

Annie Ruth Parrish

December 27, 2013

So sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Did not even know she was ill. Such a beautiful, sweet lady. May God comfort this family. Ellen Sandlin Kennedy

Ellen Sandlin-Kennedy

December 27, 2013

Sue will always be remembered as a special high school friend and fellow educator. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family and many friends.

Jane Ruffin Alexander

December 26, 2013

Dear Eleanor, Roger, Douglass and family, In remembering Sue I also remember your sweet mother and father. Sue was always so lovely in appearance, even when she was not well. And even more, she was lovely in spirit. She was always generous in playing piano for the residents at Springmoor. The world will not be the same without her but think of the beautiful music she will make before her Heavenly Father! May God bless Sue's family and all who love her with His peace that passes understanding. Fondly, Phyllis Mayo

December 26, 2013

Our prayers are with the family during this time. We were in the cancer support group with her and I can't imagine not seeing her walk in the door.

Rose Williams

December 26, 2013

So sorry for your loss. Prayers being lifted!

Amy Lang

December 26, 2013

Such a lovely lady!!! She was a special friend to our Momma, Frances Blackwelder before her death in 2012. Praying for your family.
In Christ's Love

Dianne Hart

December 26, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

annie horne

December 26, 2013

Sue was a sweet dear soul,her smile would fill up the room...she laughed & you had to laugh...she just "took over" the room when she entered...miss you already...

Caroline Kennedy

December 26, 2013

She was a dear lady and a beautiful lady. She will be missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss

Jo Ellen Hill Sloan

December 26, 2013

My confidante; how I will miss just knowing she was there. As well as for others, she did so much for me. Sue will always be in my heart. My sympathy for all her family.

Helon Page

December 26, 2013

Sue was a great friend to all that knew her. She will be greatly missed. This notice was so well written and a good summary of Sue's life, even though there was so much more. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Benny & Ai Yen Hendrix

December 26, 2013

Sue was a great friend to all that knew her. She will be greatly missed. This notice was so well written and a good summary of Sue's life, even though there was so much more. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Benny & Ai Yen Hendrix

December 26, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sue was a very special and unique person. Take care and God bless.

Joan Wiggins

December 26, 2013

A beautifully written overview of some of the many special talents and caring traits that made Sue the very unique friend and colleague that all of us in DPI enjoyed over the many years that we were able to have her on our team.

Elsie Brumback

December 26, 2013

A dear, beautiful lady and a wonderful friend.

Johnny & Maxine Smith

December 26, 2013

thoughts , prayers , memories...

audrey stroud powell

December 26, 2013

David, Rita Jo & Joe Wooten

December 26, 2013

Beautiful through and through, Sue graced us with her love, wit, and zest for life. How we will miss her! She will stay with us, because her energy and enthusiasm will inspire us every day. All of our love and sympathy to Jim and all of Sue's wonderful family.

Karen Freeland Sperati and Mike Sperati

December 26, 2013

My sister, my idol, my role model; you're gone. Like a rose that someone takes out of a room - even though the rose is gone, the fragrance lingers. So does your spirit.

Douglass Hill

December 26, 2013

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Serena Rogers's name

Memorial Events
for Serena Rogers

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Serena's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Serena Rogers's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more