Evelyn Lorene Rodgers

Evelyn Lorene Rodgers January31, 1923 to March 8, 2016 Lorene Rodgers, 93, passed over into the waiting arms of her Lord on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 after a brave struggle with heart disease. She was preceded in death by her adored husband of 65 years, Robert. Lorene was born in Paris, Texas to Annie Mae and Sherman Davis. She had an older beloved sister, Zelma and a loving twin brother, Lawrence and she spent most of her young life in Texas and Oklahoma. She eventually met the love of her life, a handsome Navy Lieutenant, on a blind date and the rest is history. She and Robert married in New Orleans and began their lives together as a “war bride & groom”. All through WWII they wrote to each other every day, but sometimes would not receive any letters for weeks or months as Robert was part of most of the major battles in the Pacific theatre as a pilot. She kept the letters and survived the long absences. “What does not kill you will make you stronger.” After the war ended Robert became a career Naval Officer and they spent the next twenty something years crisscrossing the United States being transferred every two years to one post or assignment after another. They had four children along the way, and she was a wonderful & caring mother who adored her children. They lived in Pensacola on and off for many years and eventually when Robert retired as a Commander they made it their permanent home. A few years later they both began a new career with her sister, Zelma in the antique business. Lorene & Zelma had a shop, Hamilton House Antiques named after their mother, Anna Hamilton, in the Historic Seville Square district in downtown Pensacola. After many years they closed the shop. Then Lorene & Robert kept the business going by traveling to their favorite antique shows throughout the south. Robert was great at refinishing and repairing classic treasures and Lorene was a wonderful saleswoman. The most important things in Lorene’s life were her family & friends, but it was her strong Faith in God that sustained her through her life. The family appreciates the many wonderful persons from her church who never forgot her and gave her strength and encouragement right up to the end. Lorene is survived by her three sons and one daughter, Bob Rodgers & wife Sharon, Clark Rodgers, Don Rodgers and Susan Solburg & husband Walter. She has one grandson, Garth Solburg and two granddaughters Maggie & Hannah Rodgers and one great grandson, Branden Solburg; all live in Florida. She also has many kind & caring nieces and nephews and other faithful family members and precious friends. The family would like to thank all the kind doctors and nurses who so lovingly took care of her during her long illness. A memorial services will be held in the Dr. Pleitz Chapel at the First Baptist Church of Pensacola where Lorene was a long time member. The service will take place on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. She will be inurned at the Barrancas National Cemetery with her beloved husband. In lieu of flowers a donation to one of the charities and outreach programs at the First Baptist Church would be graciously appreciated.

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Evelyn Lorene Rodgers

January 31, 1923 - March 8, 2016