Norma Prichard Rogers, 100, of Cordova, Tennessee died peacefully on March 23, 2021 after living a full, rich and independent life on her own terms and as a self-described "woman of the mind."

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She was born November 24,1920 in Louisville, Kentucky, the eldest child of Richey and Irene Prichard and was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Alfred Wesley Rogers, her brother, Bill Prichard and sister, Richey Prichard Grude. The family moved to Memphis, Tennessee during Norma's junior high school years and it was very important to her parents that they live near the best schools possible. Always excelling and interested in the pursuit of academics, Norma graduated as valedictorian of her Central High School class in Memphis, received a full scholarship to Vassar College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Latin and Greek. She went on to pursue a master's degree in English from the University of Memphis as well as a doctoral degree in English from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). This was all accomplished while having an active teaching career in numerous Memphis private schools that included teaching the very young to high school level students.

 

 

Norma and Wesley were an exceptionally active couple in the Cordova community including serving as members of the Cordova Civic Club, founding contributors and volunteers to the Cordova Community Center, and members of Cordova Baptist Church where Norma played the piano for a number of years and directed the church choir along with participating in other community programs including a Great Books reading group. She valued and was knowledgeable of the history of Cordova, was committed to preserving it and shared its history whenever possible. A staunch patriot, she loved the American flag and all it represents of the best of our country and the sacrifices required to maintain freedom. With the national resurgence of interest in the Greatest Generation and WWII, and with the assistance of her sister Richey, in 2002 Norma's book Until the Final Gun (AuthorHouse) was published and based upon the over 1000 letters her husband Wesley wrote to her during his time serving in Patton's Third Army.

 

 

After her husband's death in 1997, Norma remained fiercely independent and continued living in the family home until January 2021. She had a wonderful 100th birthday parade the Sunday before Thanksgiving 2020 that was organized by the members of Cordova Baptist Church and she received a Centenarian certificate from the State of Tennessee. Norma and Wesley's surviving daughter, Holly Rogers, lives in Winter Park, Florida.

A service will be held Tuesday, March 30 at 12:00 PM at Cordova Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, at the church. A private interment will be held in Cordova Cemetery.

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In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be directed to Cordova Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

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Cordova Baptist Church   or Online Here  

P.O. Box 174

Cordova, TN 38088-0174