Bishop Jerome Rogers Sr.

In Loving Memory of Bishop Jerome Rogers
August 15, 1949 – January 27, 2026

Bishop Jerome Rogers, a devoted servant of the Most High God, a proud veteran, and the cornerstone of our family, transitioned from labor to reward on January 27, 2026, at the age of 76, in Hampton, VA. He was a cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, mentor, and friend. Bishop Rogers was a man of great faith who spent his life standing in the gap for others, leaving behind a legacy that will echo for generations. Bishop Rogers was a great pillar in the Body of Christ and a giant in his family. Bishop Rogers was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Ulysses and Easter Mae Rogers.

The Soldier's Discipline
Before the Lord called him to shepherd souls, Bishop Rogers answered the call to defend his country. He served with honor in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, being stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia, Ft. Knox, KY, Schofield Barracks Shafter, HI, Ft. Monroe, VA, Tong, Du, Chon, Korea, Ft. Mead, MD, Nurnberg, Germany, and lastly Ft. Belvair, VA.This season of life was shaped through unwavering discipline and integrity that he would carry forever. His service was defined by authentic leadership, which means looking after those under your command. This would later define his ministry.

Bishop Rogers matriculated through the Wilmington, N.C., education system, graduating from Williston Senior High School in 1968. He later completed higher education, earning his bachelor's degree from Saint Leo College in 1997, majoring in Biblical Studies and graduating with honors.

The Master Teacher and Shepherd
Bishop Rogers' spiritual journey began at Macedonia FBH Church, where he accepted Christ at age 13. This early "yes" sparked a lifetime of tireless service. Whether at Mount Calvary FBH, Peaceful COGIC, Greater New Zion, FBH, or Nurnberg COGIC, he believed no task was too small for a servant. He was a bus driver, musician, youth pastor, and Sunday School teacher-truly doing whatever his hands found to do with all his might. His leadership expanded as he served as a Provincial Elder in the Sounds of Praise Fellowship.

Upon returning to Virginia, he served faithfully at Mount Calvary FBH until he was called to pastoral ministry. As the founding Pastor and Bishop of Strait Gate Deliverance Center, he poured out his entire life for 33 years of transformative ministry. In 2000, his mantle grew as he was consecrated as Bishop of Heart of God Ministries, Inc., presiding over churches across Hampton Roads and extending his reach to Sasebo and Atsugi, Japan.

To his congregation and peers, Bishop Rogers was the "Greatest Teacher." He possessed an infectious relationship with God and an abiding hunger for His Word. He didn't just quote Scripture; he lived it and breathed it, making the divine accessible and the complex simple. His faithfulness to the pulpit was unmatched, teaching us not just how to read the Word, but how to be a "living epistle" for the world to see.

A Heart of Melody

Music was the heartbeat of Bishop Rogers' life. He found a unique way to minister through song, most notably as a member of his singing group, The Sensational Six. Whether he was leading worship, directing a choir, or harmonizing with his brothers in song, his voice was a vessel for the Holy Spirit, bringing comfort and conviction to all who heard him. Most notably, Bishop Rogers lent his powerful vocal lead to the worshipful song Calvary, by Maurice Rogers and Chosen.

A Brother and Friend Like No Other
Beyond his titles and his uniform, Bishop Rogers was a brother and friend. This heart for people began with his siblings, whom he loved with a fierce and protective devotion; to them, he was a steady anchor and a lifelong source of joy. That same brotherly love extended to everyone he met. He was the kind of man whose doors "swung on welcome hinges" and whose counsel was always seasoned with both truth and grace. To know him was to have "A friend that sticks closer than a brother"; he was as quick to share a hearty laugh as he was to offer a fervent prayer. He built a band of friends that spanned decades and distances. His loyalty was his bond, and he walked through life making everyone he encountered feel like they were the most important person in the room.

A Love for the Ages
At the center of his life stood a legendary love story that began on October 12, 1969. For over 56 years, that bond only strengthened. To Bishop Rogers, his beloved Diane wasn't just his spouse; she was, as he often proudly declared, "his wife and only girlfriend." Their marriage was a masterclass in devotion, a partnership built on a foundation of shared faith and love. He cherished her with a chivalry that never faded, proving to his children and his congregation alike what it meant to love one's wife "as Christ loved the church." Through five decades of life, they remained inseparable-a testament to a promise kept and a love that only grew deeper with time.

The Best Father Ever
While the world honored him as a Bishop and a Soldier, Bishop Rogers greatest joy was found within the walls of his own home. He was, quite simply, the best father ever, affectionately known as "Our Superman". He led his five children with a gentle hand and a firm spirit, and vice versa, proving that his most important ministry was to his family. His laughter was a sanctuary, and his wisdom was our compass. He showed us that a man of God is first a man of love.

Those Who Carry the Torch
Bishop Rogers was preceded in death by his parents, Ulysses, Sr. and Easter Mae Rogers, mother-in-love, Doretha Robinson, sibling Arnetta Rogers, Janie Mae Murrill (Durward), Ulysses Rogers, Jr. (Sarah), Jonathan Rogers, Sr, and Mickey Robinson.

His legacy of love carries on in the life of his loving wife, Joan Diane Rogers; His siblings Ted Rogers (Mary), Gwendolyn Rogers, Emily Rogers, and Connie Armstrong, his beloved children, Jacqueline Simmons (Gerald), Jerome Rogers, Jr. (Paula), Erica Bryant (David), Michelle Hopson (Jacob), and Maurice Rogers, a host of grandchildren, Darrius Simmons (Nikki), Shantavia Woods, Khalil Simmons, Dion Rogers, Jerome D. Rogers, Jaylon Rogers, David K. Bryant (Ariel), Jaliyah Bryant, Jacob Hopson II, Destine Hopson, Ciarra Hopson, Isreal Hopson, great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Maya, Aaliyah, Lenora, Carter, Kaleya, Kamana, also many, many spiritual children, godchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and the Strait Gate Deliverance Center church family. Bishop Rogers will be deeply missed by his trusted confidants, dear friends, and partners in the gospel who walked closely with him through every season of life.

Let the words of His favorite scripture bring us all hope and strength,

This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has given me life. Psalm 119:50

Viewing will be held 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a wake service from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. The homegoing celebration will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at Bethel Temple Church, 1705 Todds Lane, Hampton, Virginia 23666. The Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Va. with full military honors.

Send resolutions/letters of support to: straitgatedc1231@gmail.com.

Send cards to: Joan Diane Rogers, 1414 Paul Jack Dr., Hampton, Va. 23666

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

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