Obituary of Betty Rogers-Bowling

Music legend Ms. Betty Rogers-Bowling 76 of Avondale, AZ, born in St. Louis, MO on September 9, 1946, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband Claude Bowling, father Allen Rogers Sr., mother Thelma Moore Rogers, sisters Legertha Anderson, Jessie Arnelle Rogers, Barbara Rogers and a brother Derrick Rogers. Betty came to know the Lord at an early age. She was a 1964 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Gary, IN. Betty was outrageously hilarious and was the life and light of every room she entered. She was well known for her fun loving sense of humor and her infectious laughter. She never ever met a stranger. Betty loved all her nieces, nephews and cousins like they were her very own. She had a way of making each one feel special and loved. In her profession she was a phlebotomist and a traveling medical examiner for Jewish hospital in St. Louis, MO for many years. Traveling was one of her greatest passions in life. She will be remembered for her outstanding abilities in music. At the age of five she matured into a child prodigy, directing the National Convention of Choirs in Chicago, IL. Holding this position for two years, gained her recognition and success in directing the States Choirs Association under the leadership of Evangelist Billy Graham. Betty relaxed doing incredible free-lance writing, playing bass guitar, teaching voice and reading. The start of her first gospel group was created with family, her sisters Pamela Rogers Jones, Barbara Rogers, also cousins Shirley Jean McAllister and Jimmy Brown. They sang together for years, touring the Gary, IN and Chicago, IL areas, at local churches. She also organized the "Gospel Roses" a well known gospel group of Gary, IN, starting at ages twelve to fifteen. The group was successful for more than fifty years, which included her sister Pamela, her best friend Frances and Betty. Their gifted vocal coach was Billy Shelton with the Spaniels. He trained them to perfection with flawless harmonies. They spent many years under his tireless vocal teachings. She originated her musical talents in gospel, but went on to sing many genres, such as jazz and rhythm and blues. Her journey with the Roses, landed them on many platforms, festivals and concerts in Dallas, TX, Austin, TX, Houston, TX, Memphis, TN and so many other major cities. The group performed and toured as background singers for Albert King and performed with Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Bobby Blue Bland, B.B. King, Johnny Taylor, The Emotions and The Staple Singers. Although Betty enjoyed her profession, music was her earnest first love and it showed in every song, every lyric she conveyed. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her sister Pamela Rogers Jones, three goddaughters Gia Jones, Jae Tiffany Williams and Romancia Arnold, five nephews Alfred (Syfronia) Anderson, Glenn (Diane) Anderson, Allen Rogers Jr., Rodney (Annie) Hampton, Timothy Jones, three nieces Chandrea Anderson, Andrea (Roland) Hayes, Sharon Anderson. Two close sister/cousins Ruthie Redmond and Shirley Jean McAllister. Her best friend who's like a sister, for over sixty years, Frances Taylor. And a hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, great cousins and many dear friends, whom she loved immensely. The family is extremely grateful and honored for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. A Memorial and Celebration of Betty Rogers-Bowling's life will be held in St. Louis, MO under the leadership of Pastor's Howard and Wilma Walker. The date and location TBD. Thank you to the staff of Meldrum Mortuary & Crematory for your excellent service and your compassion towards our family. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.