On a spring day, in a city nestled between Fort Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama, news of the birth of a person who we came to know as Orelia Rogers Williams was welcomed by her gracious parents, Taylor Rogers Jr. and Ella Mae Flint Rogers. The birth was noted to have taken place on April 12, 1943, in Columbus, Georgia.

Orelia professed Christ as her personal savior at an early age and United with the Peter Chapel AME Church. Orelia received her formal education within the Muscogee County School District in Columbus, Georgia. After high school, she immediately moved to California and initially resided with an elder sister, Jewell, at various military installations for the US Navy. It has been said that God places folks in our path, and when they pass by, their presence is still known. It was in California where Orelia met and married the love of her life, Luke Williams. Orelia held varied positions during her work career while residing in California. She later realized the importance of the work within the home….so she then chose to pursue the role as a fulltime housewife. Orelia adored and loved her immediate family. She dedicated her life to her husband and children…making sure they were happy and safe. Her only grandchild, Lavelle Williams, was her heart.

Orelia united with Good News Church of God in Christ in Long Beach, CA where she was referred to as Missionary Williams. It was at Good News COGIC where she advanced her skills as a worthy bible scholar and became a proficient public address speaker…. addressing the faith community at various times on special occasions. Her goal was to lift people up as she served. She was one of the special members chosen to serve as a guardian of the church property as an appointed member of the Trustee Board. It was the work within this organization that was important to her, not the title. In Addition to serving as a trustee, the work involving the care of her spiritual leader was just as important to her. Orelia served as the chair of the Pastor Aide Club. She also assisted in the celebration of growth milestones of those within the church body such as graduates and the like. In July of 2014, Orelia made a permanent move back to Columbus, Georgia, the place where it all began for her. It was at this time that she reunited with the Peter Chapel AME Church. Also, during this seven-year four-month return, she also supported her brother, Rev. Jerome Rogers, at the Jerome Rogers Recovery Ministry Inc. located in Decatur, Georgia at various celebrations and observances.

On a day well into fall, recorded as Friday, November 12, 2021, Orelia Rogers Williams closed her eyes and opened them in glory. There she found rest in her father’s house of many mansions. Preceding her in death was her husband: Luke Williams; her before mentioned parents: Taylor and Ella Mae Flint Rogers; three sisters: Beatrice Rogers Buckner, Martha Rogers Brown Vaughn and Jewell Rogers Carter Murry; four brothers: Taylor Rogers III, Julius Rogers, Lee Alfred Rogers and James Arthur Rogers. Her son, Curtis Edward Rogers passed away one day after his mother on Saturday, November 13, 2021.

She leaves to cherish her memories one son: Mark Anthony Williams of Long Beach, California; two brothers: Douglas Edward Rogers Sr. (Jesse) of Columbus, Georgia and Rev. Jerome Rogers of Atlanta, Georgia, one Sister: Catherine Rogers Woodard of San Jacinto, California and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

The Home going Celebration for Ms. Williams will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Progressive. Service will be live-streamed (see clickable link below) Her interment will follow at Green Acres Cemetery. Her visitation will be Wednesday from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

Because we have died with Christ, we believe that we will live with Him. Romans 6:8