A Blue Ridge Therapy Connection resident marked her recent birthday by sharing her secret of longevity.
Rachel Rogers said simply “love.”
And she should know. Rogers celebrated 102 trips around the sun on Saturday, September 5.
Love, faith and an agreeable spirit is how Rogers said she survived the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, the Great Depression in 1929 and now, COVID-19.
The response came as no surprise to Frances Reynolds, one of Rogers’ three children.
“Mom was always loved by her family and friends. She has a kind, agreeable spirit and thinks more of others than herself,” Reynolds said.
Rogers was born in Patrick County and is a life-long Patrick County resident.
She first attended Grays School and later, Stuart High School. She received an Honorary Diploma from the Patrick County School division on her birthday to help celebrate the occasion.
Rogers married Wesley Rogers and focused on raising her family. She also raised a garden, canning the food her family ate and making the clothes her family wore. She also was extremely active in her church and was a member of the Primitive Baptist faith.
In addition to her children, Rogers has six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
After 62-years together, Rogers lived alone for 22 years after her husband’s death. She has been a resident at Blue Ridge Therapy Connection for two years.
Reynolds credits the staff there for keeping her mom safe and helping her recover.
When asked how it felt to be 102 years-young, Rogers isn’t one to complain.
“Old and feeble but surrounded by the love of God and good people,” she said, smiling.
