Thelma Lee (Proffitt) Rogers

Thelma Lee (Proffitt) Rogers passed away on January 4, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana, just 3 days after celebrating her 89th birthday.  Born on January 1, 1935, in London, Kentucky to her parents, Homer and Delia (Eversole) Proffitt, she was the fourth of their eight children.  The family later moved to Virginia and much of Thelma’s youth was spent growing up in Bonny Blue, Virginia while her father worked as a coal miner and her mother tended the home and children.  As a young adult Thelma lived for a time with her sister and brother-in-law in Newport News, Virginia before eventually settling in Indianapolis, Indiana with her parents and a few siblings too.  It was in Indianapolis that Thelma met Carl Rogers.  Thelma and Carl married and raised their four children: Pamela, Edward, Alan and Randall on the southwest side of Indianapolis, making lots of memories on family camping and fishing trips, with many moments marked by the typical pranks and squabbles of siblings and laughter.

Thelma also worked outside the home to provide for her family.  While she spent time working at Magic Market and Safeway Grocery stores, her favorite job was working in the bakery/deli department for Mr. D’s Food Markets.  Thelma was a hard worker always and never one to be idle, so after her retirement from Mr. D’s, she began working part-time at Imagination Station in Southport, Indiana.  The years working with the children at Imagination Station brought Thelma much joy.  Thelma also enjoyed helping in the children ministries at church in the nursery, teaching Sunday School or children’s church. Many grandchildren throughout the years sat through services curled up next to Thelma in the pews.  Thelma’s faith in the redeeming love of Jesus was paramount in her life.  No one could know Thelma without her telling them Jesus loves them and died on the cross for them. 

At home, Thelma was an accomplished cook often whipping up batches of cookies and peanut butter fudge or baking her delicious carrot cakes.  She often enjoyed a variety of crafting hobbies over the years, most recently crochet, gifting many family members with handmade items.  She and Carl liked to go fishing together.  Once, she won the top prize in a fishing contest at Hubbard Lake.  Thelma took much pleasure in beautiful flowers and planted many varieties in her yard over the years.  She was especially passionate about tending to her beautiful rose bushes and hibiscus.  

Thelma was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.  She actively cared for her loved ones and prayed for them all even more.  She enjoyed spending a normal run-of-the-mill Monday with you just as much as she did celebrating the holidays and special moments.  She loved, loved, loved her grandbabies and made many memories over the years with her eleven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.  It is difficult to truly express how much Thelma loved her family, but none of them will be able to forget her love and impact on their lives.  Thelma and her loving, sweet and feisty spirit will be forever missed, along with the sound of her laughter, the sight of her smile and the presence of her comforting hugs.   

Thelma is predeceased by her son Randall T. Rogers, her parents Homer and Delia Proffitt, her sisters Lucy and Janice Proffitt, Irene Seacat and Dorothy Raines and her brother Paul Proffitt, brothers-in-law: Bill Yost, Glenn Raines, Bud Swickard and Charles Hunley.


Thelma is survived by her husband Carl Rogers, daughter Pamela (Eugene) Kenworthy, sons Edward (Phyllis) Rogers and Alan Rogers, and sisters Olivia Hunley and Loretta Yost and sister-in-law Roseanne Proffitt.  Eleven grandchildren: Michelle, Jeff, Christina, Jennifer, Brandy, Eddie, Josh, Alexandria, Jeremy, Nitasha and Lea.  19 great-grandchildren:  Hannah, Sydney, Nolan, Gabby, Jess, Brandi, Tyler, Mescha, Lincoln, Gavin, Tinley, Layne, Ivy, Carlee, Lisa, Susie, Kamryn, Makyia and Nyla.  6 great-great grandchildren: Thea, Ezra, Ryder, Luna, Lakelynn, Everett, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The funeral service for Thelma will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Norman F. Chance Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 504 National Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana with calling from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Pastor Willie Lyles will conduct the funeral service.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greenwood, Indiana. Final care and arrangements by Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center. 

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