Carletta (Pat) Cyrus

Carletta (Pat) Rodgers was born on August 1, 1949, and was lovingly raised by Dorothy Lee and John L Rodgers. From her earliest days, Pat demonstrated the strength, determination, and compassion that would define her remarkable life. 

She married Floyd Cyrus, and together they had two daughters, Captoria and Nicole, who gave her four beloved grandchildren: Jameka (whom she will now join in paradise), Malik, Ciara, and Morgan.

Throughout her career, Pat broke barriers and served her community in extraordinary ways. She began her professional journey nursing at the VA Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she dedicated herself to caring for those who had served our nation. Her courage to challenge the status quo made her one of the first Black woman to work at Clark Equipment Corporation, an all-male factory, where she proved that dedication and skill know now bounds. 

Pat's commitment to public service continued when she served as a Deputy Sheriff in Marshall, Michigan, safeguarding her community. Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished from 1988 to 2000, when she operated her own business where "healthy hair was a must," bringing beauty and confidence to her clients. 

After retiring from the Detroit transportation department, Pat relocated to Greenville, South Carolina, where she continued her lifelong dedication to service for Greenville County Schools at the Taylors Bus Center. She became a beloved figure in the community, ensuring the safe transport of children to and from school each day. Her dedication to the students in her care earned her recognition as a Miracle Worker by Greenville County Schools and the 2018 Hero of the Year Award from the South Carolina Association for Pupil Transportation. 

Pat leaves behind several siblings, relatives, and friends who were blessed to know her and who will carry on her legacy.