Karen Denise Rogers

Karen Denise Rogers was born October 16, 1956 in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the union of Charles Sr. and Sara Mae Huntley. Karen confessed Christ at an early age and joined Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church and most recently New Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.

Karen graduated from Taft High School. She attended Cincinnati State Technical & Community College where she earned an Associate Degree to pursue her passion for teaching young children. She owned a home daycare for several years and served as a Teacher’s Assistant at Washington Park Elementary School. She worked for ten years at the Cincinnati Board of Education and fifteen years at the University of Cincinnati until her retirement in 2015.

Karen was an avid reader and a lover of all things international. She loved history, the arts, and geography. She believed that we should all strive to be in a learning environment whenever possible, introducing her children to the arts, ballet, sports, and any activity that would teach them confidence and perseverance. One of the most important gifts Karen gave her children was a legacy of faith and a genuine love for serving others. Her commitment to God’s purpose allowed her to raise generous, compassionate, and responsible children who strive to be better people today, than they were yesterday. 

For nearly fifty years Karen and Perry Rogers were best friends, thirty – five of those years were shared in marriage. Perry promised to love Karen in sickness and in health until death due them part. He honored every word, not just in his vows, but by his actions. Ten years ago, Karen was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. We knew our lives would be changed forever, but Perry would be there to make sure she was properly cared for, loved, and cherished.

Today, we are celebrating a woman of faith, who loved her family and served her community. She had a beautiful spirit that brought people together, she was adored by all who met her, because of her friendly personality and her bright and welcoming smile.

Karen departed this life on March 5, 2021. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Charles Sr., and Sara Huntley and five brothers: Charles Jr., David, Russell, Kenneth Sr., and Jerome. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband, Perry Rogers; four daughters, Renita Kelley, Kenita Huntley, Brittney Smith (James) and Sydney Huntley; two stepsons, Perry, and Anthony Jordan. Fifteen grandchildren: Courtney, Kamerin, Keyon, Keshaun, Kamare, Naima, Nia, James Jr., Lennox, Anthony, Perry, Casharay, LaTonia, Desirai, and Jaggati; four great-grandchildren, Kamerin Jr., Ayden, Kamyla and Amari. One sister, Marlene Carter (Johnny) and one brother, Melvin Huntley; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.