Funeral services for Mrs. Willie Ruth Rogers Wilmer, 70, will be held at the Texas and Louisiana Baptist Association Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Canaan Cemetery. Viewing will be Friday, January 17, 2025, at Lewis funeral Home and visitation from 5 to 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Wilmer was born December 18, 1954, in Marshall, Texas and died January 7, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Willie Ruth Rodgers Wilmer was born on December 18, 1954, in Marshall, Texas to the parentage of Mrs. Annie Ruth Rodgers and the late Mr. Melvin Brady Rodgers. Willie Ruth joined Canaan Baptist Church at an early age and attended Zion United Methodist Church. She attended Marshall Public Schools and graduated from Marshall High School; Class of 1973. She attended Wiley College in Marshall, TX and received her bachelor's degree in education in 1977. Willie Ruth was a very proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was active in the Nu Omega Chapter. She was a dedicated educator for over 40 years, having taught in Karnack, Marshall, Alief, and Houston Independent School Districts.

Willie Ruth was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Brady Rodgers; sister, Phyllis Lenette Rodgers; Brothers; Johnny Ray Rodgers and Ronald Charles Rodgers; grandson, Kaleb Matthew Mittchell.

She is survived by her mother, Annie Ruth Green Rodgers of Marshall, Texas; husband, Leo Wilmer of Houston, TX; daughter, LaTonya Antranette Rodgers Williamson of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Michael Bridgeforth of Atlanta, GA; sister, Marilyn Rodgers Fontenot, of Marshall, TX; brothers, Melvin Ray Rodgers II of Vestavia Hills, AL, Milton (Regina) Rodgers of Longview, TX and a large number of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sorors, and friends.