Teresa Colleen Rodgers

Teresa Colleen (Mitchell) Rodgers, 74, of Willis, Michigan, passed away on December 10, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on July 20, 1950, in Delaware, Ohio, she was the eldest of seven children to Thomas and Eudora Mitchell.

Teresa graduated from Delaware Hayes High School in 1968 and attended Andrews University. As a teenager, she was a 4-H leader. She met her husband, Otis Cary Rodgers, at Victory SDA Church, and they married on June 15, 1969. They settled in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where they raised three children in a Christ-centered home and were active members of Ypsilanti SDA Church and later London SDA Church. Teresa excelled as a licensed insurance agent with Primerica Financial Services, training agents and serving her community with financial guidance for many years.

Dedicated to God and service, Teresa began teaching children at age 16 and later became a children’s ministry leader serving the Lake Region Conference. Alongside Otis, she was a Pathfinder leader, mentoring youth in life skills and faith. Known for her warmth and humor, she embraced the nickname “Mother Teresa.” She enjoyed singing, playing games, and spending quality time with her loving family in Ohio.

Teresa is survived by her husband of 55 years, Otis; her children Cary (Elene) Rodgers, Albert (Shari) Rodgers, and Letrisha (Dwight) Stallard; her grandchildren Carlene Rodgers, Jasmine Stallard, Alandre Rodgers, Salena Rodgers, Jalen Stallard, Elijah Rodgers, Nehemiah Rodgers and her siblings Diana (Thearthur) Little, Janice (Jackie) Fort, Eudora Faye Mitchell, Yvonne Mitchell (Glenn Perkins), Thomas (Valerie) Mitchell IV, and Steven (Francine) Mitchell, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Eudora Mitchell and granddaughter Eliyah Rodgers.

Despite health challenges, Teresa’s strength and faith inspired all who knew her.

‘She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith. Now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day—and not only to her, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.’ (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

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