Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL

Obituary For Richard Darnell Rogers

A celebration of life for Mr. Richard Darnell “Crow” Rogers, 72, of Talladega will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Rocky Mount Church Cemetery. Mr. Rogers will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the funeral home.

On December 6, 1951, Richard Darnell Rogers was born to the union of John Travis Spencer and Mary Francis Rogers Spencer in Talladega, Alabama

Mr. Rogers dedicated his life to Christ and united with the Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church at a young age. Throughout his Christian journey, Richard served as a layman, sang in the Men’s choir and worked with the culinary committee. He attended Westside High School and Talladega High School. Richard was a longtime, dedicated member of the Westside/Drewry Alumni Association. He dedicated many years of service to Crown Textiles, Georgia Pacific and AIDB. Richard had a servant’s heart and it showed in all the many things he would do to help those that he could whether it be driving someone to appointments, running errands or simply giving someone a glass of water with a smile. One of his other most notable traits was dancing. Richard was light on his feet and quick with his step.

Richard leaves behind to cherish many fond memories: a devoted and caring sister and brother-in-law, Claudette and Alphonse Webb of Talladega, Alabama; ten sisters, Sherry Spencer, Vanessa Spencer and Glinda (Michael) Burton of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Antoinette (Charles) Frazier of Chicago, Illinois, Helen Diane (Calvin) Barclay of Talladega, Alabama, Jacqueline E. Groce of Killeen, Texas, Gloria Truss of Talladega, Alabama, Shannon Groce Denson of Cleveland, Ohio, Gwennette Duncan of Talladega, Alabama, and Angie Groce of Cleveland, Ohio; two brothers, Sylvester Groce, Jr. of Cleveland, Ohio and Travis (Winnie) Spencer of Minneapolis, Minnesota; a loving and devoted aunt and uncle, Deloris “Granny” and Denson “PawPaw” Hunley of Talladega, Alabama; an uncle, Marion Rogers of Talladega, Alabama; beloved friends, Theresa Stockdale, Janice Bolton, Allene Scott, Lorene Denson and Jometa Bell; and a host of other relatives and friends.

On June 7, 2024, Mr. Rogers took a rest from his earthly labors. He was preceded in passing by his parents, John and Mary Spencer; grandparents, Prince and Pauline Rogers; three sisters, Cassandra Spencer, Pamela Spencer and Belinda Richardson; two aunts, Jo Ann Harvey and Lola B. Keith; and three uncles, Roy Lee Rogers, Jimmy Rogers and Prince Rogers, Jr.

Guest Book

My deepest sympathy for the family. Sherry Lawson Ragland.

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Deepest condolences to the family. Richard was a worker for God's people yes all of us and George and Benny Burroughs were blessed with his thoughtfulness and kindness. May Richard be blessed with the promises of our Savior Jesus Christ 🙏 BonnetB3te Family

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I remember the Rogers family and have vivid reflections of our lives together in the Knoxville Community. We, the Gooden family, lived in housing #98 and the Rogers family lived directly across the street in front of us in housing #38. What a time we had in those early years of the 1960s. Much of our time was spent outside playing together. We played marbles, jump rope, dodge ball, running and catching each other, racing back and forth to each other's house, hide and seek, red light green light, and whatever game we could makeup. We didn't have much in the material sense but we had love and friendship and a sense of fellowship. Somehow even in those earlier years we knew we were our brothers' keeper; genuinely caring and looking out for each other. We knew that we were a COMMUNITY, before we could understand the word 'community'. The love and friendship the Gooden family had with the Rogers family continues today. I name especially Richard and Lois Rogers because they were closer to us in age. Richard always greeted me with a warm smile and loving embrace each time we were in each other's presence! Richard truly demonstrated a servant's heart. I noted Richard's willingness to give a helping hand in service to his church family, The Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, in various capacities; food committee, setting up and taking down tables and the male chorus to name a few.  Richard was also great with helping others in the community; running errands, cutting grass and house sitting. I have a lasting and wonderful memory of Richard and I dancing at the last Knoxville Reunion. We danced to the song 'Old Town Road'. Did we have fun? Yes, you bet we did! We had a great time laughing and dancing. A memory forever etched in our hearts. I last saw Richard at the funeral of my brother, Lee Curtis Gooden, on March 1, 2024. I turned and Richard was there, coming in my direction. And again, we greeted and embraced each other in love. "Hi Yteria, Hi Richard". Nothing else needed to be said. Richard was always there for those he loved and cared for. Richard has transitioned beyond the Earth's realm to the realm just beyond our physical sight!  Behold him in your hearts, your love, your conscience, your thoughts and memories. And you will find that he is there; for he is One with Us and One with you. Richard is in the land of the old baptist hymn, " Where We Will Never Grow Old". The Land of the Eternal Sunrise. The Land of Life And Love, where there is no death, no sickness, no sorry, no pain, no darkness, no worries, no sadness. Welcome Home Richard! Only Love, Joy and Peace! Shine Richard Shine! Until we meet again We love you The Gooden Family

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Crow, My Crow, Our Crow. I have thousand and thousands of memories with you. First you teaching me to dance cook. Us cleaning 100 pounds of chitterlings for 15 years every , Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. You were there for both of my children's birth. With so much excitement. The doctor and nurses said move back let the daddy see the baby. You even prepared me a feast the day Sean came in the world. Mixed greens full of and cheese, plus a pineapple banana pudding. I couldn't eat a bite. Went in labor; Sheila and Tina had walked me all over Tallladega. And you never let up on Sheila for taking Eryka one day while you kept her. They had you crying. When it came to my mama ; you were always there for her and her children. You are the only one that never forget anyone in the family birthday even my too. Thank You for not getting us beat for Babe and I waddling to the ground for your keys and car. I know you didn't like pain and needles. I'm grateful " That The Good Lord Healed You For Your New Resting Place! We just love and will miss you!!

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My first memory of my eldest cousin, first-born grandchild of Grandma Pauline "Polly" Rogers (1918–1994), Richard (I have never been able to call him by his moniker Crow, which he proudly represented as James Brown taught us to, "Say it loud—I'm black and I'm proud!") was when he returned home from Job Corps about fifty (50) years ago. I was in elementary school. That 1970s memory was not only my first memory of my cousin but also the most lasting memory which created a "laughable" moment over thirty (30) years. Job Corps was founded in 1964 under the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration offering career training to youth. My cousin Richard used his dynamic personality and his "eldest-cousin ranking" card (even though everyone thought he was my uncle) to encourage the rest of us to finish our high school education and in turn, gift us $100. Telling a six (6) and eight (8) year-old that you would give them $100 back in the early 1970s was quite motivational, now it's gas money. After earning my high school diploma, I went to my cousin Richard to collect my $100, and guess what, he laughed! We both laughed. And for about thirty years, every time we saw each other (the last time in 2018) the scenario was the same. Sue-Sue: "Hey Richard, where's my $100?" Richard: [Laughs] (ROFLOL actually) "I also owe Ne-Ne (1966–2023 [laughs again]!" Richard, even in his most challenging moments, had a special bond with his Aunt "LoBell" (1943–2019) as he would call her. They loved each other and disagreed with each other on so many levels, they argued, they laughed, and they cried together, as they both struggled with challenges that few of us could ever comprehend, yet the bond LoBell had with her nephew, Richard, was as close as she had with any of her children, probably closer, for at the age of nine (9) years old, she helped care for Richard and later in life, he cared for her. I am reminded to: Never judge another person before you know the score, Before you've walked in another's shoes at least a mile a more. Always be quick to understand and slow to criticize, The world is a very different place viewed through another's eyes. Richard used his challenges as a source of strength to serve many. Along with LoBell and all those who loved you, too, Rest in Power and Rest in Peace in the arms of a loving Father who promises never to leave you nor forsake you.

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Thanks for the help you've given my parents the late George Burroughs and Allene B. Scott. I will miss your dancing. Pamela Bradford & Family

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My heartfelt condolences to the Roger's family. Richard my friend you are truly missed already, you had a kind spirit that any of us would love to have. you were a person that met no strangers I've been knowing you for many of years not realizing just how close we would become in the end, I'm so glad I had a chance to talk to your u while you were still on this side and our conversation ended in I love you. Thanks for all the times you were there for my mother when I couldn't be..... Rest well thy good and faithful servant you have earned your wings

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I'm sending my deepest condolences for the families of "Crow" I pray for comfort in such times and may he rest in peace.....Kathleen Carter

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I am going to miss you Richard. We had so many more dances in store. Blessings to your family. Love, Anita

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Praying for all family members of good friend, hard working and fun loving, Richard. May God grant you peace during and after this trying time. This is one person who will be sorely missed!! God Bless!!!! Fannie Lewis Barnes

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Praying for you all at this time even the more, I meet Mr. Richard through my God Mother Betty Simmons always were easy going and didn't mind being a help to others. you're going to be missed. Ms Wilma Jackson

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Richard, my brother!! I'm going to miss you. I loved you & appreciated everything you done for me. You're in good hands. You already knew that, but to say it now means more! Love Always your sister, Betty Simmons & Catherine Collins.

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My heartfelt condolences to my Richard Rogers aka Crow,Rogers and Hunley family.The suffering is over! Ms.Theresa Stockdale

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL