Ella Francis Rodgers

On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, God dispatched his angels to usher his faithful servant home. Ella Rodgers, age 74 was lovingly known as "Puddin" or Aunt Puddin to family and friends. Ella was born on April 30, 1946 to the late Pleasant V. and Willie J. Mitchell. She was a native of Portsmouth, VA and attended Portsmouth Public Schools. She was also preceded in death by her son, Michael Rodgers; siblings Alinda Mitchell, Ernestine Cambron, Willie "Pee Wee" Mitchell and Felicia Miller; special friends, Constance Fields and Emma Williams. Ella worked as a seamstress or London Fog Coat Factory for 16 years, until they closed. She continued to work until she retired. Ella loved the Lord and was an active member of Canaan Baptist Church of Suffolk, VA where she devotedly served in the women's ministry, couple's ministry and was a deaconess. She was affectionately known throughout Tidewater for her cooking, delicious popcorn and sewing. She loved to travel and bowl. She actively bowled in leagues for 49 years and was a member of the Lady Bowlers traveling team. She loved her family and friends and treasured the times she spent with them. Ella had a heart of gold and always opened her home to provide and took care of many. She had a vivacious personality and made friends every where she went. Ella was dearly loved and she leaves to cherish her devoted memory, a loving husband of 54 years, James Rodgers, Jr.; a devoted daughter, Melodie Rodgers; two grandsons, Jemell of Fort Bragg, NC and Shaquan Rodgers of Norfolk, VA; two great grandchildren, Aniyah Rodgers and Casheon Nash-Rodgers; a special nephew, James Cambron; three sisters, Eva Mae Hicks, Irene Mills and Debra Williams (Ronnie); and five brothers, Lacey Mitchell (Diane), Alvin Mitchell, Sr., Irvin Mitchell, Terry Mitchell and Tony Mitchell and a host of family and friends. Please note that the Funeral Home follows the CDC guidelines, allowing only 10 persons to attend the funeral and only 10 persons at a time in the building for the visitation. The CDC suggests and the Funeral Home requires masks to be worn by all persons who enter the building. Please click on the following link to watch a live stream of the virtual viewing, today between 4 P.M. - 7 P.M. Please show your support to the family.

Ella Francis Rodgers

April 30, 1946 - April 28, 2020