Ella Mae Rogers

Rocky Mount – Ella Mae Sallee Rogers, age 81, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Born in Madison County, Kentucky on November 18, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Chester B. Sallee and Gladys Mae Howe Sallee. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Croom "Bob" Rogers; her brothers, William "Bill" Sallee and Donnie Sallee; and her sister, Betty Sue Sallee O'Neal.

A woman of great faith, Ella Mae was a long-time member of West Edgecombe Baptist Church. She looked forward to and loved her Sunday School class, forming a valued group of lifetime friends all of whom she cherished. Ella Mae retired as a supervisor for Centura Bank following many years as a dedicated member of the Centura family. First and foremost, she always would place her family first, as a wife, mother, a dedicated and caring "Nana", a sister, aunt, and dearest friend, building a lifetime of beautiful memories. A cherished and blessed soul through and through, Ella Mae will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Ella Mae is survived by her daughter, Terrie Rogers Edwards (Mike); her son, Robert Christopher "Chris" Rogers (Terra); her grandchildren, Michael Christopher Edwards, Ashley Edwards Thompson (J.T.), Hannah Grace Rogers, and Mackenzie Taylor Rogers; her great grandchildren, Ivy Lynne Thompson and Johnny Lewis Thompson, IV; her sister, Vicki Sallee Bridgers; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dearest friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Ella Mae's life will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Major Hilda Howell officiating. A Private Family Burial will be held at a later time at Pineview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

The family would like to especially thank Ella Mae's hospice nurse Melissa Owens, the staff with Hospice of Wilson, and her caretakers, Demetria, Mary, and Lisa for all their love, care, and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ella Mae's name to either Hospice of Wilson, 1901 Tarboro Street, Suite 301, Wilson, NC 27893, or to West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC Hwy 43 N, Rocky Mount, NC 27801.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.