Alton Lee Rogers

The late Jim and Johnnie Rogers had no idea that the son they had June 3, 1951 would be one of the most move by the beat of his own drum kids they ever had. Alton Lee Rogers was not afraid of anything or anyone, except his parents. Of course. Born in Jackson, AL he was always quick and eager to learn any and everything so that he could make his own money. He graduated from Harper High School. While there he met Rose Chaney whom he later married shortly after graduating school. They soon moved to Detroit, MI along with other brothers and sisters of Alton’s. 

Detroit offered many benefits for Alton to grow in his craft of masonry, painting and construction by becoming licensed and joining the union. He was able to truly excel and make the money he needed for his growing family. Later he divorced but remained in Detroit and continued to perfect his abilities. As he excelled he was happy to show family how to do what he did so that they could make money as well. He always kept his tools with him, rolling through the streets of Detroit in his green van. Dad was the one you called when you needed something done for your home. He loved what he did not ever asking for a lot when it came to work for family or friends. He simply just wanted to be around family and friends. He worked on various buildings throughout his career in Michigan until he finally retired in 2020. 

Al or Al Lee loved his children. If you wanted to see anger, say something wrong about his children. He was so proud of the smallest success that any of his children accomplished. Though he may have been the king of “Where is Al” he always showed up right on time. He enjoyed talking with nieces and nephews telling them all he knew and had been through. He would always say “don’t get stupid with your money like I did. Make sure you stay out of trouble.” He was not ashamed to admit his faults. He wanted people to know (I messed up!) but God gave me a chance to be there for my children and family again. So, the man with nine lives did just that in his final years. Traveling with his children and friends, visiting siblings and grandchildren and even great grandchildren. He was getting ready to take a road trip with friends to see his Jackson, AL family when God simply reached down and picked him up. Of all the many lives he lived and died, his ninth life was Alton’s most grand. NO REGRETS!! God gave him the promised 70 and a little something extra.

Preceding him in death were two sons DeShawn and Desmond Rogers; his parents Jim and Johnnie Rogers; seven brothers Jimmy, Dan, Edward, John, Freddie, Billy and Willie Rogers; two sisters Emma Hixon and Bernice Savers.

He leaves to cherish his lively memory three sons Glenn Jackson, Tremayne and David Rogers, two daughters Taiyia (Marlin) Montgomery, Satonyia Griffin; one bonus daughter LeCarol (Troy) Oakes; 13 grandchildren Natasha Robinson, Glenn Chapman, Preia Montgomery, Wille’a Griffin, Destiny (DeAndre) Pettway, Kaiyia and Tyanna Rogers, Keana Houston, Owen and Olivia Rogers, LaVon, Bianca and Kiera Oakes; seven great grandchildren; Za’riah Washington, Ja’ziah and Ja’miah Pugh, Lacey and Ariah Goodwin, Sanaa Nash, Kason Rogers, Carter, Cassie, Samir and Navee.

14 Siblings - Four brothers Dana (Shirley) Rogers, Jessie (Louann) Rogers, both of Jackson, AL: Henry (Joan) Rogers, Gross Pointe, MI: Earl Newton, Inkster, MI: ten sisters Daisy (Abraham) Kimbell, Jr., Sharon Pugh, Marion (Leenell) Calhoun, Cynthia Watkins, Peggy White, all of Jackson, AL: Earnestine Cooper, Lillie (Bill) Daniels, Lucy Robinson all of Southfield, MI: Bettye Oldham, Romulus, MI and Bessie Rogers of Mobile, AL and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.