Wilva Marie Cearley Rogers was born on January 24, 1930 near Oxford, Mississippi and after a brief illness returned to her home with the Lord on October 6 2019.  Life in rural Mississippi during the depression built the fire that burned brightly inside her to fight for the welfare of all people.  An avid human and animal rights activist, she lived her beliefs and led by example to instill them in each person she had the opportunity to influence. She accomplished this with a warmth and humor that lasted through her final days. Her wish is that each of you carry just a bit of it inside you.

She graduated from Ole Miss's University High School and received her BS in Physical Education and an MS in Education at Ole Miss as well. She later received her EDS degree from that school just east of Atlanta that Teri asked not be mentioned.

After living in northern Florida for about eight years, she came to DeKalb county to teach in the basement of Clarkston High School. The rest is history.  She followed her students into the real Shamrock High school later that year and finished her career as Principal of her beloved Dragon Nation.  She nurtured this nation with a love and sense of humor that resonates through most any conversation held about her - with just a touch of, "Don't mess with Mama." 

She enjoyed over 30 years of retirement traveling with her family, maintaining her beautiful backyard garden, and staying in contact with over 900 of her 'kids' on Facebook - many in person.  The family wishes to thank them all; as well as the countless faculty, staff, friends and family that were so loyal to her throughout her days.

She was predeceased by her Mom and Dad, Pauline Knight Cearley and Corbett Cearley of Oxford, and her Sister Ernelinda Cearley Crenshaw, of Kansas City and Oxford.  She is survived by the love of her life, husband Bill Rogers originally from Ripley, MS, daughter Teri; countless nieces, nephews and cousins and her beloved Shamrock High School family.  They are so blessed by her quick and peaceful passing but will travel on with a huge Wilva shaped hole in their hearts. 

It does help knowing that she is sitting on what one very special member of the nation calls, "the greenest cloud in heaven;" surrounded by her beloved animals and the friends, family members and members of the nation that made it there before her. There is speculation that she has already named all the manatees and organized a birthday party for a dear member of the nation waiting for her.  Please add your own chapter in the novel of Wilva’s life.  She already carries it in her heart.  Thank you for sharing her life and passing with us!