A Life Well-Lived: Remembering Robena Rogers

We gather today to celebrate the remarkable life of Robena Rogers, a woman whose spirit, grace, and unwavering love touched all who knew her. Born on October 1st, 1940, in Hyde County, North Carolina, the second child born to Otis and Sarah Whitney.Robena's early years were rooted in the quiet charm of her birthplace. At the tender age of five, her family embarked on a new chapter, moving to the vibrant city of Philadelphia. It was in the West Philadelphia area that Robena spent her formative years, growing into the extraordinary woman we remember today.

Robena was a proud graduate of the Philadelphia school system, completing her education at Overbrook High School in the class of 1958. Shortly after, in 1959, she met the love of her life, Robert Rogers. Their union was a testament to enduring love, and together they welcomed three beloved sons.

Her professional journey began around the time of her high school graduation, as she stepped into the world of modeling. What started as a profession soon blossomed into a lifelong passion, with Robena gracing local campaigns for over 50 years. Her elegance and poise were undeniable, making her a familiar and admired face in the Philadelphia community and at the QVC Network. Wherer she worked as a hair model. In the mid-1970s, Robena's talents led her to become a member of the Screen Actors Guild, opening doors to the silver screen. She appeared in several films, including "Philadelphia" and "Taps," where she delivered a memorable speaking role. She even worked on an M. Night Shyamalan movie, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.

In 1965, Robena and Robert, along with their three sons, Randy, Robbie, and Carnell, moved to the Germantown section of Philadelphia. They settled on the 900 block of East Stafford Street, embracing a racially changing neighborhood where their children attended public school and all proudly graduated from Martin Luther King High School. It was in Germantown that Robena forged a deep and lasting friendship with Gilda Woods, the wife of local disc jockey Georgie Woods. Together, Robena and Gilda were inseparable, sharing adventures, modeling gigs, and even managing a small girl band that recorded a few records.

Beyond her vibrant career, she and Robert were the proud owners of a thriving bar and lounge in West Philadelphia, a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Robena was a person of immense character. She was caring, giving, and possessed an incredible depth of knowledge on a wide array of subjects. As a parent, she was exceptional, guiding her three boys with love and wisdom. She found joy in her modeling, but also in the simple pleasures of cooking, traveling, and spending cherished time with her immediate family, as well as her extended family of sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews from North Carolina and Philadelphia. Her three sons blessed her with eight grandchildren, who were undoubtedly a source of immense pride and happiness.

In 2019, Robena began to show signs of memory loss, and a year later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. For seven years, her family bravely fought this disease alongside her, until she peacefully succumbed on May 24, 2026.

Today, we remember Robena not for the illness that ultimately took her, but for the rich, full life she lived. We remember her infectious spirit, her unwavering love, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on in her children, her grandchildren, and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be a beacon of love and strength. Both Robena and Robert were members of Enon Baptist Church for many years under Pastor Waller.

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