Shirley Virginia Rodgers

Shirley "Shirlay" Virginia Rodgers departed this life for her heavenly mansion in glory. She was received in the loving arms of Jesus Thursday, August 19, 2021. Shirley was born to James and Edith Orso February 7, 1963. She was the 7th of 9 children. She grew up in Mt. Vernon, Alabama, where she met the love of her life, Dennis "Wildman" Rodgers, while he was visiting family. They soon married and gave birth to their one and only son, Dennis "Den Den" Rodgers, Jr., and a love and bond like no other was created. Shirley and Dennis spent over 41 years together. They loved each other, and everyone who knew her knew she was crazy about "Wildman." Shirlay had a huge family whom she loved dearly: daughter-in-law, Alisha; grandchildren, Alyssa, Payton, Denise "Niecee", and Korleigh; mother, Edith; sisters, Emma, Dee, Velma, Diane, and Nina; brothers, Edward and "Shine." But the kind of love she held in her heart for Den Den, Niecee, and Korleigh could not be replicated. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them, and nothing she wouldn't buy them. All they had to do was ask. She would go to the edge of the earth for them. Shirlay thought they hung the moon and stars. They were the light of her life.

She loved to cook, going to the beach, shopping for her grandchildren, and spending time with her close knit family and friends. She enjoyed picnics with Korleigh and Rikki, as well as sleepovers with the girls & Carmen. There was never a dull moment with them around. Shirley was a huge Alabama football fan. She never would pass up the chance to tease Auburn fans and yell "ROLL TIDE!"

Shirley also loved Jesus. When she accepted the Lord, she made a huge transformation. He made a remarkable spiritual change in her life. Shirley was a faithful member of Hickory Grove Church. She was the Sunday School teacher and chair. She helped organize events and supported the church where ever she was needed. She was a retired CNP at MCPSS. She was a homemaker and sitter. She loved babies and helping spoil and take care of them.

Those who are deeply saddened, heartbroken, and left to cherish her memories are her husband, Dennis "Wildman" Rodgers; son, Dennis "Den Den" Rodgers, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Alisha Rodgers; grandchildren, Alyssa, Payton, Denise "Niecee", and Korleigh; bonus children, Randy "Bubba" Lofton (Krista), Jamison "Mickey" Lofton (Jordyn), and Mary Byrd; bonus grandchildren, Carmen Huckabee, Rikki Byrd, and Willow Lofton; God-daughter, Ashlee Sullivan; mother, Edith Orso; sisters, Emma Byrd (Eddie), Lula "Dee" Lofton (Randy), Velma "Gip" Hopkins (Danny), Martha "Diane" Huckabee (James, Jr.), and Nina Orso; bonus sister, Lahoma Davis (Richard, Jr.); brothers, Edward "Coon" Orso (Lela) and James "Shine" Orso (Debra); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, James Orso, Sr.; brother, William Orso; sister, Nina Orso; nephew, William "Big Will" Byrd; uncles, Joe "Zeiner" Orso and Richard Byrd; aunt, Sarah Douglas; mother-in-law, Bernice Rodgers; and father-in-law, Rankin Rodgers.

A wake will be held for Shirley from 6pm until 9pm Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Hickory Grove Church. The funeral service will be 10am Friday, August 27, 2021, at Hickory Grove Church with Rev. Robert Byrd and Rev. Clyde Byrd officiating. Burial will follow in Byrd Cemetery. Online condolences may be given at www.freemancitronelle.com. Freeman Funeral Home - Citronelle, Alabama