Mrs. Blondell Mae Jeffers Rodgers

Blondell Jeffers Rodgers, known to many of us who knew and loved her as “Blonnie”, left this world peacefully on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the age of 88. She was a devoted and loving wife to Dr. E. Rabon “Ray” Rodgers for 60 plus years. Blonnie was the youngest of four children born to the late Furman and Catherine Jeffers on November 28, 1933. From her earliest years, she had a strong desire to learn and was drawn to the classroom. While at Olympia High School she served as class treasurer, was inducted into the DAR, and voted by her classmates the “Most Dependable and Most Sincere”. After graduating with honors in 1952, it came as no surprise that she pursued a career in teaching. Blonnie entered the University of South Carolina and graduated with a major in English and a minor in Physical Education in 1956. She would later return to her alma mater for a Master’s Degree in Media. As a young teacher, Blonnie was determined to make a difference in the lives of her students. She accepted her first position at Great Falls High School, where she taught Physical Education. In 1958, a career move took her to Blaney High School, where she taught English and Literature, making such a positive impression on her students that the senior class dedicated their 1960 yearbook to her. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dr. Rabon “Ray” Rodgers, another educator. She loved to tell the story of their undeniable connection from the moment they met. After they married in 1961, Blonnie went on to teach Physical Education at Edward L. Wright Jr. High School, and later at The Hood Street School, at Fort Jackson, where she served as Media Specialist. She once described the Media Center as the most important curriculum support service and recreational outlet a student can have. Among her students and peers, she was known as the “educator who cares”, a sentiment that was recognized statewide when she was honored as “Teacher of the Year” 1984. In addition to classroom skills, Blonnie was gifted at putting together special events for her church, including writing and producing memorable holiday programs, specifically designed for the children. Her creativity and humor were renowned within her congregation. Blonnie was also a crafter, who loved the art of creating anything with her hands, from needlework to pottery. Blonnie considered every child she taught as her own. She extended this unconditional love to her nieces and nephews who often turned to her for encouragement and support for their hopes and dreams. We will forever miss Blondell’s ardent love and devotion to her family. Our hearts will always recall her quiet smile and her strong, beautiful voice whenever her sister Miriam played the piano. We thank God for the precious times and the special memories we have with her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her eldest brother, William Thomas Jeffers, and her two older sisters Nadine Jeffers Bigby and Miriam Jeffers Gardner. She is survived by her husband, Dr. E. Rabon “Ray” Rodgers, as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. The family would like to extend very specials thanks to the staff at Wellmore of Lexington, SC and the All Season’s Health hospice team who cared for her in her final days. Blonnie was a dedicated member of Northeast Presbyterian Church on Polo Road in Columbia. A graveside service to celebrate Blondell’s full and beautiful life will be held at Highway Pentecostal Holiness Church, located at 2290 Heath Pond Road, Elgin, SC, 29045, at 11am on Friday, January 28th, 2022. The family will receive friends immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Cards may be sent to the Rodgers' residence, 144 Wellmore Drive Lexington, SC 29072. Due to COVID concerns, attendees will be asked to wear masks and follow safety distancing protocols.

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Mrs. Blondell Mae Jeffers Rodgers

November 28, 1933 - January 23, 2022