Elva Estelle Bowman Rogers

LIFE TRIBUTE: MRS. ELVA E ROGERS

SUNRISE: OCT. 8, 1943 - SUNSET: SEPT. 24, 2026

Our Beloved, Elva Estelle Bowman Rogers, affectionately known as "Penny," transitioned from this earthly life and entered into Eternal Glory, on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Westminster Canterbury Richmond (WCR), Mary Morton Parsons Health Center. Enveloped in love and excellent care, every need was met by the dedicated staff at WCR, until the final word on the last page of Penny's earthly journal was written. WCR Staff affectionately called Penny "Our Sweet Lady".

Childhood Reflection: Born in Richmond, Virginia, Penny's ancestral roots are deeply planted in the rich Chickahominy Tribal soils and flows through the pristine waters that run through Charles City, VA. Penny's tribal legacy and history were deeply important to her. Some of her fondest reflections were about time spent at some of the powwows, sharing food, smiles, and making memories with family and friends. Though she did not make the most recent "74th Annual Chickahominy Indian Tribe Fall Festival & Pow-Wow” on 09/26/2026, we can all take comfort in knowing her spirit was surely dancing and celebrating with everyone.

One of Penny's most cherished childhood memories were conversations with her maternal grandfather, who affectionately called her "Old Rock." She loved to hear him talk of his plans to take her fishing and to California. As a young child, right from the start Penny was fearless and independent. She loved adventure and was very curious about life. Friendly and soft spoken, she was a lover of people and connected with others easily. Penny was educated in the Richmond Public School System and was proud of her Armstrong High School legacy.

Foundation: Penny was preceded in death by her parents: ALLEN C. BOWMAN, SR. (d. 1982), whom she loved dearly and whose ancestral roots she carried proudly; VIRGINIA B. PALMER (d. 2005), a beloved mother and lifelong anchor whose roots also gave Penny a strong tribal legacy (BRADBY). Virginia was a dedicated, kind, and living example of a strong spiritual and moral compass for all her children. Together, Virginia along with RALPH W. PALMER (d. 1988)—a devoted father whose constant presence and love filled their home—guided and poured richly into Penny's everyday life.

Family Support: Things were not always easy, but the family are strong and resilient people. They helped one another. Love was expressed like a woven tapestry that produced a beautiful blanket that enveloped the family in Faith, Love, and Kindness. An intricate part of this tapestry was Penny’s eldest sister Virginia B. Allen (Ladybug or Lady). From her earliest days, Ladybug stepped into life's quiet burdens long before her years, carrying the weight of others with a grace that never asked for notice. Her lifelong gift of devotion has seamlessly extended across generations, nurturing and fostering many family members. Though Lady is in her Golden Years, she continued to be that gentle force of boundless love for her younger sister, checking-in on and looking after her, doing whatever she could to offer support from Penny’s birth until Penny’s final good-bye.

Faith: As a youth, Penny along with some of her siblings were very devoted to their Episcopalian Faith. Penny reaffirmed her Episcopal Faith in the last few years of her life. Specifically, she refocused on deepening her relationship with The Most High, which dramatically improved her outlook on her Quality of Life, increasing her hope and fortitude; often saying, "GOD has the Last Word, and as long as I keep my hand in GOD's hand, I know everything will be alright!"

Penny’s Heart: Penny was a loving, dedicated and faithful wife of 56 years to Luke Rogers, Jr. (d. 2018), sharing a full life together. As they forged their family, Penny's heart blossomed and widened, as her Maternal Heart recognized its greatest love—her children. Her love for her son Ronald was anchored by an enduring hope and quiet, steadfast desire for his highest good, which remained unchanged until her last breath. Though her daughter Daryl's early departure (d. 1984) was devastating, the Grace of the Almighty provisioned Daryl's legacy onward. Penny picked up that sacred torch and selflessly poured her heart into her granddaughter Shannon. The fullness of that devotion paved the way for life's sweetest, unwritten chapter: the arrival of her great-grandson, Jahmai, the absolute sparkle of her eye. There were times when Penny's light was dimming, but her love for Jahmai kept her flame alight and bright for many more years, giving her a renewed purpose and strength only love can provide in those darkest hours.

Career: A Devoted Employee, Penny retired from MCV/VCU in 09/2000 after completing 30 Years of Exemplary Service. During her 30-Yr Tenure, Penny spent many of those years in the role of Supervisor of Transportation, dedicated to demonstrating excellence in leadership, compassion and service to her fellow colleagues and all the patients' under MCV/VCU's care.

Reflection: While our hearts feel the heavy quiet of Penny’s absence, we can rest in the absolute assurance that Penny is complete and whole, at peace, and renewed. Let us join in agreement in the spirit, and usher Penny forward knowing that she has stepped out of the bounds of time, and returned to the Eternal Sacredness of the Divine, sharing in celebration with all her loved ones who preceded her in death and gracefully awaited her arrival.

OTHER BELOVED FAMILY, RESTING IN HOLY COMMUNION ALONGSIDE HER PARENTS, WHO PRECEDED HER IN DEATH AND AWAITED PENNY IN JUBILANT CELEBRATION:

SIBLINGS: Carol B. Jones (d. 1986), Hope P. Hasan (d. 2000), Lena B. Overby (d. 2014), Allen C. Bowman, Jr. (d. 2025)

AUNTS: Pearline Olivia Bradby (d. 1975), Lena Louise Bradby Wallace (d. 2004), Elva Bradby Randolph (d. 2017)

NIECE: Crystal B. Bowman (d. 2024)

SISTER-IN-LOVE: Iris J. Bowman (d. 1989)

ROGERS FAMILY (IN-LOVE): PARENTS: Luke Rogers, Sr., Lillie Easter Barnett; SIBLINGS: Joe Frank Rogers, Ruby Lee Bates, Elizabeth Nelson, Lillie Giles (Lester Sr.) and , Rosevelt Rogers - (Linda); Juanita Wilkerson; NIECE: Michelle D. Giles-Carter; NEPHEW: Lester T. (Manzy) Giles, Jr.

We also honor the sacred memory of our many ancestors and beloved family who have crossed the veil before Penny into Glory, lifting them up equally in our hearts.

Despite what the flesh or ego attempts to convince us, we are a "Provisioned," On-Time Creation, Wonderfully Purposed by Divine Design. And though we may all experience spiritual amnesia from time to time, our soul knows full well the holy light essence that is within us. We are reminded of these truths in verses Luke 17:21, Psalm 139:14 and John 1:5.

Luke 17:21: “And when he [Jesus/Isa] was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

Psalm 139:14: "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are marvelous, and that my soul knows full well."

John 1:5: "The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness comprehends it not."

Penny said often, "I thank GOD for all that he has done for me. I really do because I could not have done it without him. I know that!" GLORY BE TO THE MOST HIGH

Circle of Care Tribute: The last five years define a profound chapter of fierce advocacy and unyielding devotion from Penny's primary care team—meeting every step from crisis to calm—to surround her with a sanctuary of safety and unconditional love. Her niece, Tamara F. Edwards-Kelsie, selflessly carried the massive, full-time mantle of orchestrating Penny’s complex medical care, business management and meticulous daily-life management from afar, pouring a richness of administrative devotion into every detail. Nephew: Kevin L. Kelsie, gave selflessly to the invisible load, necessary to support Tamara's years of full-time focus to Penny’s care. Her nephew, Jabriel M. Hasan, served as the vital on-the-ground anchor, that provided the tireless support to Tamara that served as the glue—that transformed those remote efforts into tangible care. Jabriel's love, presence and dedication framed and laid the foundation that made all these "Gift of Heart" acts, possible. This protective circle early-on had another branch of on-the-ground support. Great-Niece Terri L. Moore gave 3 years of dedicated, loyal, and selfless medical and transportation support. Foundational transportation and compassionate support expanded when longtime close friend and family supporter, Nikita V. Edwards, Sr. (BoogieChild), accepted a more official role with Penny's Circle of Care Team. During the last 12 months, serving as an unofficial alternate to Nikita's role, beloved cousin, Tikki Wallace, stepped in to close the gaps that life created, from ensuring that no medical appointment or critical need was ever missed, to serving as a communications bridge to support Tamara whenever needed, inpatient or otherwise—to staying all night for outpatient added care, and general companionship. Unofficial, but faithfully devoted and present nephew, Kevin B. Bowman supported Penny, wherever needed, and always with a loving and cheerful countenance. Bringing this team of loving support full circle is devoted brother-in-love Dennis R. Hasan who truly answered the call whenever needed.

This undertaking of selfless service even now, remotely and directly, continues in finalizing homegoing arrangements, earthly business, and ensuring that every detail of Penny's final wishes are honorably fulfilled. Together, this dedicated team showered Penny with a depth of love and devotion that allowed her to live her final years with absolute dignity and peace.

Penny's rich spirit, warmth, and love will live on in the hearts of her loving family: 1 Son: Ronald D. Rogers, 1 Grandchild: Shannon R. Bowman, 1 Great-Grandchild: Jahmai K. Lott (All of Richmond, VA); 1 Sister of Richmond, VA: Virginia B. Allen (Devoted); 1 Sister of D.C: Laurie A. Bowman; 1 Sister of Atlanta, GA: Carol A. Bowman; 1 Devoted Niece/1 Devoted Nephew and 1 Great-Niece of Houston, TX: Tamara F. Edwards-Kelsie. Nephew: Kevin L. Kelsie, and Chamara F. Hicks; 1 Great-Nephew of Cebu, Philippines: Tarence S. Hicks, Jr; 1 Great-Niece of Kingston, Jamaica: Charity C. Bowman; 1 Niece of Richmond, VA: Faith D. Overby; 5 Nephews and 3 Great-Nephews, and 1 Great-Great-Nephew of Richmond, VA: Jabriel M. Hasan (Devoted), Kevin B. Bowman (Devoted), Barry Wayne Palmer, Marlo D. Bowman, Christopher A. Bowman, and Juan W. Wilson, Kevren R. Kelsie, DaVaughn M. Kelsie; and Jason L. Fowler, Jr.; 3 Great Nieces and 2 Great-Great-Nieces of Richmond, VA: Terri L. Moore (Devoted), LaShonda T. Robinson, Kristen Bowman, and Ariel C. Washington, Trinity J. Moore; 3 Nieces and 2 Nephews of D.C.: Nasia E. Dozier, Lauren A. Palmer, De'Asia L. Jenkins and Nasir C. Dozier, Elijah E. Jenkins; 1 Niece and 2 Great-Niece of Cleveland, OH: Carolyn H. Bowman, and Anise K. Bowman, Thereese D. Bowman; 1 Devoted Brother-In-Love (Sandston, VA): Dennis R. Hasan; and the following relatives/friends, all of Richmond, VA: 1 Sister-In-Love: Barbara T. Bowman; 1 Devoted Cousin: Tikki L. Wallace, 2 Devoted Friends: Nikita V. Edwards, Sr. (Debra), Angela Brown, and a host of other extended family and dear friends.

Special Thanks to: Dr. William Reed, MD., Nurses: Amanda, Pretina, Shannon, Katrina, Jabril, Candance, Social Worker: Emily, Administrator: Christopher (All of Westminster Canterbury Richmond); Jessica Headrick (Cardiovascular Support, HealthSnap Case Manager, LPN / TN). Our hearts cannot express what your compassion and grace mean to us. May you all be fully supported to continue blessings others.

Viewing: Remains rest at Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N 25th St, Richmond, VA 23223. Viewing on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The family will be present to greet family and friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Committal: Graveside services will be held Thursday, 2:00 PM at Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery (Charles City), Rev. F. Wayne Henley Officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home Thursday, 12:30 P.M, leaving "promptly" at 12:45 PM.

Cedar Grove Baptist Church (Cemetery): 5500 Adkins Rd., Providence Forge, Va 23140

Heartprints: Flowers and expressions of sympathy may be delivered to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N 25th St, Richmond, VA 23223.