Roberta Conner Rogers, 90, of Cloverdale went to heaven to reunite with her beloved husband J.C. on February 9, 2026. She is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Roberta was born in Gap Mills, W.Va., on April 4, 1935. She graduated from Lewis-Gale School of Nursing in 1956. She worked in the hospital, moved to private practice and retired after 27 years as Head Nurse at Hollins College (now University) where she thrived and became a second mom to the students. Roberta married the love of her life, J.C., on November 24, 1957 and joined the Cloverdale Church of the Brethren soon after that. She served on several commissions, taught Sunday School, was President of the Women’s Fellowship, a Deaconess and found her true passion working to create the Cloverdale Thrift Store (known to many as the Cloverdale Boutique). Roberta and J.C. loved to travel, especially helping on over 20 disaster ministry trips, and going to Jamaica on eight service trips with the Jamaica Cultural Immersion Program at Hollins.
Roberta was preceded in death by her loving husband, James C. Rogers, Sr.; parents, Elmer and Genia Conner Chitwood; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Betty Conner; and granddaughter, Maleah Rogers.
She is survived by her children, Renee Ayres (Scott), Lynette Smith (Gary), and James Rogers; grandchildren, Sarah, Clay, Nikki, Courtney, Ashley (Jacob), Cody and Conner; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Riley, Logan, Madilyn, Michael, Kayley and Taylor. She held a special place in her heart for her chosen family, Jeri and Alex Suarez.
Roberta had so many remarkable friends in her life that she treasured. Her church family meant the world to her, and her children would like to thank everyone for their calls, visits and prayers. In addition, we would like to recognize Good Samaritan for their help during this period, and especially Lynette for her countless hours of love, companionship and assistance during the last 9 years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Roberta’s memory to Cloverdale Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 85, Cloverdale, 24077.
A celebration of Roberta’s life will be held February 28, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Cloverdale Church of the Brethren with visitation and reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Arrangements are by Oakey’s East Chapel and Crematory, 540–977–3909.
