Thelma Jean Rogers

Thelma Jean Rogers, 63, also affectionately known as “Sister”, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on November 7, 2026. She was born on May 10, 1963 in West Helena, Arkansas to Herman and Lucille Patterson.

Thelma grew up in Gary, Indiana and graduated from Emerson High School in 1981. On May 8, 1987, she married Alan Rogers in Los Angeles, California and had two children: Jerrell and Joy Rogers. Although they divorced many years later, she and Alan remained lifelong friends.

In 1991, Thelma and Alan decided to move to Indianapolis to be closer to family. She remained in Indianapolis for the rest of her life (although she was very proud of her Arkansas roots). Thelma graduated with an associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering from ITT Technical Institute in 1992. Always one for growth and exploration, Thelma worked in electronics, customer service, and caregiving throughout her life. Her work would take her all over the world, including the Netherlands, Canada, Oklahoma, and California. She was known for her love of dancing and enjoyed traveling, fine dining, doting on her kids and grandkids, and spending time with friends and family.

She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and had a deep, unshakable faith in the Lord.

Thelma was preceded in death by her father, Herman Patterson, Sr. and her brother, Herman Patterson, Jr.

She leaves the following to cherish her memory: mother, Lucille Patterson; son, Jerrell (Kishana) Rogers; daughter, Joy Rogers; siblings: Diana (Darren) Dixon, Shulunder Rankin, Janice Gross, Dennis Oliver, Darren (Natalie) Jackson, Karen Jackson, Brian (Rose) Patterson, and Shavone Patterson; grandsons: Ethan Rogers and Gavin Rogers; granddaughter, Zoë Rogers; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.