Jennie LaRue (Barnes) Rogers

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Jennie LaRue Rogers, who went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Jennie was born on December 29, 1944, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the late Jim Barnes and Lillian Elnora (Kirk) Barnes.

Jennie was preceded in death by her four brothers: Antione Brown, Benny “Rinky” Brown, James “Jasper” Barnes, and Guy Barnes; as well as three of her sisters: Constance “Connie” Massey, Hortense Hughley, and Senobia.

She began her education at Howard elementary, Lincoln Junior high School, and Lincoln high School. She later moved to Vian, Oklahoma and graduated from Vian high School in 1962. She later moved back to Arkansas where she remained until she was called to her eternal home.

Jennie dedicated much of her life to serving others. She worked as a nursing assistant at St. Edwards Hospital before transitioning to a career in education with the Fort Smith Public Schools for 24 years, from which she retired. Her love for helping others extended beyond her professional life. She was a member of First Baptist Church for 74 years and was baptized at the old First Baptist on 12th Street under Reverend W E Walden, at the age of nine years old during vacation bible school. Jennie was active in various roles, including serving as the Youth Director, chairman of the Board of Christian Education, as a choir member and as a member of the Missionary Society. Her faith and commitment to her church were pillars of her life.

Jennie was affectionately known as “Memaw” and “auntie” to all who knew her and was a cherished friend to many. Her special friends – LaVerne Johnson, Grace Brown, Jim and Bea Lyons, Helen Kendrick, Shanika, and Rachel, all held a special place in her heart. Jennie’s warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love left an indelible mark on all who encountered her.

Jennie’s memory will be forever cherished by her beloved family: by her three children. Daughters, Stephanie Mitchem of Desota, TX, and Tammie Harris of Fort Smith. Son, Shawn (Misty) Rogers of Fort Smith. Eleven grandchildren—Natasha, Blake, Clayton, Jabria, Ariel, John, Lydia, Kobe, Cody, Shawn, and Autumn; her three sisters—Sharon Diaz, Marion (Robert) Aytch, and Mary Ann Barnes. She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who loved her dearly.

A Memorial Service to celebrate our mother Jennie LaRue Rogers’ remarkable life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Missionary Baptist Church. The Wake will be Friday from 5-7 pm at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Her pallbearers will be Donald Ray Goodman, Shaquille Goodman, Gavin Wardlaw, Isaac Flores, Aaron Fields, and Benjamin Pena. Honorary pallbearers are Blake Mitchem, Clayton Mitchem, Kobe Rogers, Cody Harris, Shawn Rogers, and Reed Thomas.

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