Tee Willis Rodgers

Tee Willis Rodgers was born on January 3, 1948, in Blytheville, AR, to James Edward Rodgers and Nannie Agnew Rodgers.

His spirit returned to his GOD on June 3, 2025, in Memphis, TN.

Tee attended the McCarty School District.  Upon graduating 8th grade from McCarty School, he attended Booker T. Washington School in Caruthersville, MO, until the integration of all schools in Missouri became law.

Tee attended Mingo Job Corps, becoming a Welter Weight Boxing champ.  Tee met and boxed with George Foreman before George finally became World Heavyweight Champion.  Tee traveled extensively throughout the United States.

In 1968, Tee briefly left Caruthersville and Barbara and joined the United Staes Army and traveled throughout Germany, and Mexico.  He attained the status of Executive Chef, serving under General Westmoreland.

Tee loved being his own boss.  He was a designer and creator of fine jewerly.  He was the local D.J. at all the night clubs and later he and Barbara opened their own night club-The famous Phase II Touch of Class in Caruthersville.

He loved knitting and crocheting and keeping people happy, especially his family.  He was a sportsman from his heart and baseball was the game of his life.  

In 1996, after watching Barbara truly live a life of Holiness before him, Tee became a member of Pentecostal Power Church under the leadership of Bishop James L. & Rose L. Lane.  He was baptized in the NAME OF JESUS and filled with the HOLY GHOST.  Tee was later ordained a Minister on September 3, 2006, by Bishop James Lane.

In 2007, Tee and Barbara opened the doors of JESUS True Deliverance Ministries in Caruthersville.  On April 3, 2016, Tee was Ordained a Pastor.  In 2020, Tee submitted himself along with his family and the members of JTDM to Monument of Deliverance Ministries under the Leadership of Apostle Dr. Robert and Dr. Pastor Kathy Bell of Hayti, Missouri.

Tee was faithful unto death.  He was a diligent provider and protector of his wife and family.  He protected the hearts and lives of all children placed in his home by the State of Missouri children Foster Care Division from 1993 until the day of his going home to be with his GOD. 

He was the Co-founder of the CHRISTmas in the Park Project that oversaw the collection and distribution of toys, clothing, food and sometimes housing to those less fortunate in Pemiscot, Dyer, Scott and Dunklin Counties.  

He was most proud of his impact as a member of Paralyzed Veterans of America-tearing down barriers for the disabled in our communities.

He loved his GOD and his family.   There is simply not enough space to list all of Mr. Tee's accomplishments.  He left an unmatchable legacy of wisdom, knowledge and love of what could be if you just "never give up the fight to love and help your fellow men."  Fifty-four years in those wheelchairs did not confine nor define Tee Willis Rodgers!  He was a "Man with the Heart of a Warrior!!

Tee is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents - Joe and Sally Rodgers, maternal grandparents - George and Mary Hall Agnew, his parents, five sisters - Geneva Rodgers Portwood, Mary Lee Rodgers Jenkins, Ida Mae Rodgers, Juanita Rodgers, and Sadie Rodgers; three brothers - James Freddie Rodgers, Danny Rodgers, and Ricky Rodgers, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife: Dr. Pastor Barbara Rodgers; three daughters: Charmin Rodgers, Keturah Rodgers, and Keziah Rodgers; ten sons: Otis Yancey Rodgers, Terrance Reginald Rodgers, Eli Akieem Rodgers, Tobijah Rodgers, Simeon Rodgers, Matthew Rodgers, Lazarus Tee Rodgers, Josiah Mark Rodgers, Elijah Jefferson Rodgers, and Deon Q. Lewis; one sister; Ms. Nannett Rodgers Bailey; three brothers-in-law; Gregory Cartwright, Antonio Kellybrew, and Thurman Cagle; four sisters-in-law; Pearlie Mae Willimas, Regina Law, Thea Hawkins, and Ms. Lula Williams, 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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