Eugenia "Mama Gene" Rogers Odom

We bid farewell to Eugenia “Gene” Rogers Odom of Henrico, VA, formerly Gibson, NC, whose journey of life gracefully concluded on July 13, 2026 at the age of 103.

Eugenia “Gene” touched countless lives with warmth and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories to all who knew her.

Born on April 2, 1923, in Woodruff, SC to Ovid O’Neal Rogers and Edna Riddle Rogers, she graduated in 1943 from Spartanburg General Hospital School of Nursing, Spartanburg, SC. She then enlisted in the United States Army Nurse Corps, where she served as a surgical nurse with hospital units in England and France during WWII.

Gene and Harold married on June 2, 1946 and moved to Gibson, NC, where Harold managed Z.V. Pate, Inc Funeral Homes in Gibson and Laurel Hill. Gene worked at Marlboro County General Hospital, Bennettsville, SC, for almost 30 years, starting as a surgical nurse and eventually taking the position of Assistant Director of Nursing.  She loved the activity on the floors, especially the ER. She retired from the hospital to work beside Harold for 3 years after he purchased the funeral home business.

Gene and Harold joined St John United Methodist Church, Gibson, NC, shortly after moving there. She remained active in the church until moving to The Barclay at Tuckahoe in Henrico, VA to be closer to family. This move took place in January 2023, just months before her 100th birthday.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by husband, M Harold Odom, and brother, John O’Neal Rogers.

She is survived by daughters, Cheryl Odom Kirk & Harriet Odom Steffen (Rick); grandchildren, Todd Steffen, Scott Steffen, and Kristin Kirk Famiglietti (Gerry); great-grandchildren, Alaina Marie Sheehan and Alec Morgan Sheehan. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026 in the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in the Pinecrest Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday, beginning 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to your favorite charity or to St John United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 181, Gibson, NC 28343.

"We carry forward her legacy of unshakeable positivity and joy, keeping on the sunny side of life".

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