Mr. John C. Rodgers

Mr. John C. Rodgers, Sr., 83 of Peoria, Illinois, transitioned to his heavenly home at 6:05 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024 at his babygirl's home. He was born June 20, 1940 in New Albany, Mississippi to the late John Wesley Rodgers and Catherine (King) Rodgers. John accepted Christ at an early age and last served at his brother’s church, Greater Bibleway Apostolic, under Pastor Earnest Rodgers. John was a devoted and caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and a selfless individual who touched the lives of those around him. John's journey was marked by resilience and sacrifice from an early age. Born into a humble family, he faced the challenges of life with unwavering strength and determination. His father, a hero drafted to serve in a time of war, left John with the responsibility of helping his mother raise his younger siblings. Despite the absence of formal education, John embraced this role wholeheartedly, becoming the pillar of support for his family. As agricultural opportunities became scarce in the south, John dreamt of a brighter future for himself and his family. Fueled by determination and a desire for better opportunities, John made the courageous decision to leave the south and head north in hopes of better employment prospects. In his new hometown of Illinois, John found the love of his life, Deloise (Russell) Rodgers whom he shared 54 years of marriage. John’s strong work ethic and resilience to secure a job that offered stability for his family found him working in different industries such as farming supply, waste management and manufacturing where he retired from Caterpillar, Inc. as a material handler and fork truck operator with 30 years of service. When not working you could find John watching or listening to his favorite sports teams (Chicago Cubs & Bears), enjoying family and friend gatherings, patiently sitting on a fishing bank or in a bowling alley. John was an avid bowler, participating in multiple leagues. He was passionately called JR or “Crooked Foot” on the lanes. John had passion and dedication to the sport that elevated him to a league of his own. John wasn’t just a bowler; he was a maestro on the lanes, a true artist in the world of bowling. John’s journey in bowling was adorned with an impressive collection of 300 game rings and trophies, each a testament to his unwavering commitment to perfection. John leaves to rejoice in his loving memory his daughters, Linda (Roderick) Ross of Charlotte, NC, Marsha Rodgers of Peoria, IL and Janice (Derrick) Parker of Dunlap, IL; nine grandchildren, Robert (Latisha) Russell of Charlotte, NC, Michelle (Victor) Spigner of Duluth, GA, Roshonda Washington and Tayler Sims, both of Newport, AR, Gwenska Rodgers, Janice Rodgers, Quanisha Parker, Derrick Parker, Jr., and Darius (Marissa) Parker all of Peoria, IL and a host of great-grandchildren; five brothers, James (Mildred) Rodgers, Earnest (Eloise) Rodgers, Phillip (Marietta) Rodgers, and Stanley (Pam) Rodgers, all of Peoria; two sisters, Ruth (Pastor CJ) Jowers and Linda Rodgers, all of Peoria and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloise Rodgers, son, John Rodgers, Jr., daughter, Antionette Rodgers, sister, Cathy Rodgers-Warren and grandsons, Bobby Russell, John Bell and Keith Rodgers. John was a man of great character and integrity and loved by many. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Pilgrim's Progress COGIC, 3033 W. Marquette St., Peoria, IL 61605. Pastor James Rodgers will officiate. Visitation will be at 10am and service begins at 11am. He will be laid to rest beside his loving wife at Parkview Cemetery Mausoleum. Arrangements were made especially for Mr. John C. Rodgers, Sr. and professionally directed and entrusted to Simons Mortuary.

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Mr. John C. Rodgers

June 20, 1940 - January 12, 2024