Shirley Ross Rogers

Come to me, all those who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…

Matthew 11:28

Mother Shirley Crayton- Rogers whom referred to herself as an “Old Fossil” was born in New Boston Texas November 4, 1943 to the parents of Johnnie & Buster Crayton. She was educated and graduated from New Boston Central High School in 1961.

Shirley later moved to Venice, California and united with the Second Community Baptist Church and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor L.K. Reese. During this time, she met and married John Legans and through this union became the mother of four beautiful children.

In 1970 Shirley remarried Deacon Rogers who was the love of her life and through this union she became the mother of three children. Shirley gained employment at several places in the Venice area and retired from Pic’ & Save Discount Department Store. After she retired, she worked at Glencrest Barbeque Restaurant until it closed, and she was no longer able to work.

Mother Shirley loved family gathering, crafting, cooking and singing but most of all she loved the Lord. Mother was the lead singer for The Psalms of Grace singing group and a devoted choir member and choir director of Mount Hebron Baptist Church. Mother loved her Pastor as if he were her son. She was not only a mother to her biological children. She was a Church Mother and a mother to the entire Venice young adult Community.

God blessed her with a speaking and singing voice that could stirrup the spirit down in your soul and bring you to your feet. She shared her singing talent freely at funeral services, musicals and special events throughout the Los Angeles and Venice Community.

On the early morning of July 16, 2025, Mother wanted to play ball and decided to go up to bat, she knew that she didn’t have to swing hard to hit a home run; but her timing had to be right. She swung the bat and hit a “Home Run” and then she ran with endurance to meet the Lord who was waiting for her at the “Home Plate”.

She leaves behind precious memories that will be forever cherished by Pastor and Sister Vernon Andrews and the entire Mount Hebron Baptist Church Family; (1) Daughter; Lisa Legans; (5) Sons: Victor and Kathy Legans; John and Anette Legans of Los Angeles; Anthony and Kim Legans of Monrovia, CA; Vincent and Bethlehem Rogers and Galenes Rogers of Los Angeles, CA. (4) Sisters Jessie Glasper of Sacramento, CA, Maxciene Wessinger and Patricia Bruce of Oakland, CA; Thelma Crayton, of DeKalb, TX. Maxciene, Patricia and Thelma preceded her in death. (3) Brothers, Lawrence and Timothy Crayton of Los Angeles; Bobby Crayton of DeKalb, TX; Tim and Bobby preceded her in death (1) Goddaughter, Sandy of Los Angeles, CA (10) Grandchildren, Nicole “Pebbie” Milan of Sherman Oaks, CA, Marlon Towns, Deondra Allen, Dontavien Richardson, LaQuita Nicole Franklin and Anthony Jr. of Los Angeles, CA; Arainna, Michael, Jordan and Justin Rogers of Las Vegas, NV, Niece Brittny Glasper of Sacramento, CA; a host of Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and other Relatives and Friends; Deacon James Rogers and Son, Carlos Jermayne Rogers preceded her in death.

Mother Shirley's Obituary and Program may be viewed by clicking this link or using the QR code in the gallery below.