Oct. 8, 1945 - Jan. 31,
2010SOUTH BEND - Mrs. Gloria D. Jackson-Rogers was born on October 8, 1945, in Moro, Arkansas to the union of Eliza Raglan and Horatius Gray. Gloria, who was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother and daughter, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 31, 2010 in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana. Raised in Moro, Arkansas, Gloria was always an honor roll student and graduated with high distinction. At Carver High School, she served as the school reporter, providing insight into the events that were ongoing at the school. She received several accolades for her writings. In 1967, she moved to South Bend, Indiana, where soon after she started her true calling in early child development at Project Head Start. She worked as a Head Start teacher for over 30 years. Along the way nurturing almost a thousand children in that time frame. Her heart touched the lives of many that crossed her in her life's journey. She attended Indiana University, South Bend, Ivy Tech State College and the University of Notre Dame for courses in Early Child Development so that she could better serve the children in the Head Start Program. She was a consistent recipient of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. Gloria accepted Christ at an early age. She was a servant of God's people and was active in the church. For over 30 years, she was a member of St. Paul Bethel Baptist Church. In addition to her serving the church, she acted as a neighborhood mother providing guidance and advice. She was an invaluable member of the South Bend community. Gloria was a devoted and loving mother and leaves to cherish her loving and precious memory her husband, Paul Edward Rogers of South Bend, Indiana; two sons, Claude Lee Jackson of Tampa, Florida (wife: Diane) and David Earl Rogers of San Lorenzo, California (wife: Ruth); four grandchildren, Anthony Jackson and Aliyah Jackson, both of Tampa, Florida and Nia Rogers and David Rogers II, both of San Lorenzo, California; two sisters, Veronica Ameen of Denver, Colorado and Rosetta Gray of Torrance, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Eliza and Horatius Gray; two sisters, Georgia Jean Gray and Beatrice Gray; two brothers, John Wesley Gray and Benjamin Gray; and a daughter, Beatrice Louis Jackson. Her extended special family, Thelma Adams, Lynn Coleman, Florence Hunt, Henry Miller, Beatrice Milton, Betty Schoby and Marsha Settles. In her lifetime, Gloria truly made a difference in the lives that she touched. A glowing presence; she uplifted and brought joy to the hearts of others. Her warm smile and spirit was genuine and sincere. She will be missed but always remembered, revered and loved by everyone who knew her and had the opportunity to share moments in her life on earth. She died as she lived, in peace and harmony, in the shining light with our Creator and Savior. Services for Mrs. Gloria D. Jackson-Rogers will be held on Monday, February 8, 2010 in the St. Paul Bethel Baptist Church, 621 Lindsey St., South Bend, Indiana. Visitation will began at 11 a.m. funeral services at noon. Burial will follow funeral services at Highland Cemetery. The Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.