Obituary of Betty Corinne Rogers

Betty Corinne Ray Rogers, 89, died peacefully in Nicholasville, KY on March 13, 2021 where she slipped quietly into the embrace of God. Born in Huntsville on July 1, 1931 to the late Hubert and Ella May Smithey Ray, she resided there until late June of 2020. She was predeceased in death by her late husband, Roy C. Rogers, sisters Evelyn Tate, Lagrada Stone, Ruth Williams, and Emma Sharp. She also survived two nieces, Carol Carroll and Kay Fain. Betty leaves behind her beloved daughter Beth Rogers Daugherty and devoted son-in-law Bill Daugherty as well as their children Kim Daugherty, Lisa (B.T.) Hawkins and Bill (Carmen) Daugherty, III. Betty was a loving aunt to Jan Harvill, Cathy (Steve) Hall, Teresa (Brent) Mason, Ray Tate, Eddie Stone, Nancy Augenstein and Ron (Sharon) Gibson. She loved her great-grandchildren, great nieces, great nephews, and their children. After losing her cherished Roy in 2015 she tried valiantly to carry on and live in a way that would make him proud.

Being a loving wife and mother was by far her greatest calling and joy. She and Roy built a married life of 62 years centered around family, faith, friends, and church. Together, with love and devotion, their music ministry spanned 38 years at First Christian Church which served both adults and youth. Roy was front and center as director, but Betty was by his side helping and assisting in any and every capacity.

Betty treasured her family. When Betty’s Mom began slowing down and needed frequent help Betty was a devoted daughter. It was guaranteed that Ella May would be taken care of. Betty counted herself fortunate to have most of her sisters reside in Huntsville. Whether it was a shared visit, meal, or holiday, anyone could see the Ray sisters had a very special connection. Likewise, Betty (aka Aunt Co) enjoyed supporting her nieces and nephews by providing a listening ear, offering a big hug, helping whenever she could and to uniquely love each of them. It was universally accepted that the only thing sweeter than Aunt Co was her conspicuous sweet tooth.

Betty’s health was always a challenge. She was born in the Alabama heat of July and that saved her life. She weighed less than five pounds and was born at home. Rheumatoid Arthritis began in the 1970’s. She fought that and the other illnesses that came after. In spite of those difficulties, Betty was strong, determined and never complained. She was grateful for all her blessings and the richness of all the loves in her life. She will be missed greatly.

Laughlin Service Funeral Home will handle arrangements. A visitation will be held on April 8 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Laughlin. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted to First Christian Church, 3209 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, AL or Bluegrass Care Navigators, 1733 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40504.

So many friends and family contributed to the quality of Betty’s life. Friends, you know who you are. The staff at Bridgepointe the Christian Care Community Betty lived in the last eight months of her life embraced her sweet spirit and love of people. Her niece Teresa Mason was like a second daughter. Three caregivers who became family made a big contribution in the years after Roy’s passing. These ladies are Christian women doing God’s work. Thank you to Shirley McCormick, Phyllis Pettus and Nena Shams. The family would also like to thank Dr. Philip Roth Jr., MD for over thirty years of care. He made a difference in Betty’s life with his patience and skill.