Hope Rogers Wooten

ROCKY MOUNT - Hope Rogers Wooten, age 95, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on May 6, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Henry Arnold Rogers and Hildred Hatton Rogers. She was also preceded in death by her husband Earl Dozier Wooten, her two brothers, Robert Hatton Rogers and Henry Alton Rodgers, her beloved mother-in-law Mary Dozier Wooten and her granddaughter Judylynn Jean Zamber. Hope is survived by her two sons, Robert Earl "Robbie" Wooten (Sheila) of Raleigh and Richard "Rick" Alton Wooten (Judy) of Durham; her daughter Mary Lu Wooten of Raleigh; her grandchildren, Jeff Langston (Elysia), Michael Langston (Tiffiany), Bobby Jim Zamber, and Lora Dodge (John); her great grandchildren, Regan and Madison Langston, McKenzie, Ariana, and Asher Langston, Preston Campbell, and Silas Dodge; her sister-in-law Wilma Faye Moore Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephewsespecially Joe and Corinee, children of her late brother-in-law who were treated as her own, and countless "adopted" children and adults who called her "Nana Hope" or "Aunt Hope". Although Hope and her brothers lost their parents very early in life, it never held her back from always seeking to be the best person she could be. In high school she was very active in student government and represented the city of Rocky Mount at Girls State in Raleigh where she met and kept longtime friends. She graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1945 and went to work. Upon the end of WWII, she attended the first year college classes held at RMHS for the returning WWII vets where she met the love of her life. Hope and Earl were married on June 8, 1947. She chose to be a supportive wife of her husband as he completed his engineering at NC State College while Hope worked on the staff. They had many funny stories as a young couple living in married housing in Raleigh, one in college and the other being a young mother. Though she never finished her college degree, she made sure all three of their children knew that they would be going to college and graduate no matter how long it took and that education was the most important gift, after love, that one can have. Upon Earl's graduating NC State in 1950, Hope and Earl moved in with Earl's mother in the West Edgecombe community where they lived and raised their family until Earl's death in 2014. Hope remained in her home until her health forced her moving into a full-time care facility in Raleigh in 2020. Her priorities in life were, in order, her husband, children, mother-in-law (until her death in 1967), friends, church, community, and giving to others wherever she found the need. She gave tirelessly to supporting her children in school, 4H, boy scouts, and sports. She was a driving force in both of her sons receiving their Eagle Scout badges and her daughter being in the 4-H Honor Club. Hope and Earl volunteered as mentors at Bulluck Elementary School and delivered for Meals on Wheels of Rocky Mount. It would be impossible to count all the meals that the two of them prepared and then delivered to the elderly, sick or bereaved through the years. For the two of them, service to others was essential no matter how big or small. At Second Presbyterian Church she served as a deacon, an elder and clerk of session as well as spearheading the food supply for family night dinners. She truly loved her church and her Lord. Summer time always brought a bounty of produce from the family garden Earl planted and tended. Once Earl had harvested the crops it was Mother and Grandmother who preserved the vegetables. The freezer and canned food storage space were seldom bare and there was always goods to be shared with the others. Never once did she ever say not to extra mouths at her dinner table, whether they be neighbors, school or church friends of her children, out of towners from Earl's work, fellow Navy guys while Rob was in service, or in later years, to anyone who was not able to be with their families, especially during the holidays. Hope and Earl were always welcoming to others. Hope was always involved with the West Edgecombe Homemaker Club, which served to educate the members on food preservation, home decorating, crafting, furniture refinishing and public service projects. She never refused to lend a hand until her mobility make it too difficult to get around. One thing she learned in the Homemaker's Club was to make wedding cakes. She enjoyed baking wedding cakes for loved ones and she went so far as to transport a fully decorated cake to Daytona, FL for a nephew's marriage. The cake had to be kept cool, so the AC was turned to max and the fan was set to full speed. It didn't matter that those in the front were suffering frostbite, that cake had to stay cool. When she checked into a motel for some rest, the cake was the first thing into the room. All the family were allowed in next. The AC was again set to max. Hope was always willing to help others, especially her family, even when her body was failing her, she would find a way to try. She taught her family more than one can ever tell. The greatest lesson was to love and accept all who walk our planet, now matter what, and no matter whether on two legs or four. Her love for animals was shown by the countless dogs and cats that the family had over many years. To know that everyone deserves a chance and a hand up always. And to know that you are never, never, alone. Her faith was the driving force in her core. And she tried her very best to walk in His Grace every day of her life. She is missed but will be cherished always. A Funeral Service to celebrate Hope's life will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Englewood Presbyterian Church, 100 S Englewood Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Rob Westlund officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Monday, July 25, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler-Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Special thanks for their love and caring during Hope's shut-in days at home go out to her late neighbor Sandra Whitehead and still perking "sister" Amaryllis Dawes who is the poster child for Energizer Batteries and others that called and visited her. Also, to all that supported her while at Val's Place with visits and the abundance of cards especially from Betsy Buford who kept the post office in business. The caring staff of Val's of Brookhaven also earned our heart felt thanks for looking after Mother since 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Hope Rogers Wooten to the Edgecombe County 4-H Fund, P.O. Box 129, Tarboro, NC 27886 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler-Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Monday 7/25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Visitation with the family will be on Monday, July 25, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Service Englewood Presbyterian Church 100 S. Englewood Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-3127 --> | Tuesday 7/26, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm A Funeral Service to celebrate Hope's life will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Englewood Presbyterian Church, 100 S Englewood Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Dr. Rob Westlund officiating. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Tuesday 7/26, 3:00 pm - 3:15 pm Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery.