of Little Rock, AR
January 25, 1944 - May 25, 2019
If you're looking for Martha Carole (West/Minor) Rodgers, try searching the next quiet cove on DeGray Lake.
Following a short battle with cancer, Momma Carole (don't forget the 'e') died May 25, 2019, with family nearby and praying for her peace.
Carole was born Jan. 25, 1944, in Christine, Texas, to Ervin and Tommie West. She moved to Leslie, Arkansas, as a child and later to Little Rock, where she graduated from Central High School.
Carole spent her life challenging stereotypes and helping others. After marrying high school sweetheart Raymond (Red) Minor, she started her own drapery company. When Red began Cardinal Construction Co., she joined him as his right hand. After his death in 1983, Carole took over Cardinal, becoming one of two women to own a construction company in Arkansas. She became active in the National Association of Women in Construction and the NAWIC Education Foundation and served on the Pulaski Academy school board from 1979-1984.
Carole closed Cardinal in 1987 and later joined the architecture and engineering firm Wittenberg, Delony and Davidson in Little Rock, retiring in 2005 as senior associate and construction coordinator.
While leading Cardinal, Carole met Ray Rodgers and the two began a loving relationship that continues to this day. Following his passion for boxing, she jumped in to her latest role, helping him with his gym and organizing youth boxing matches and tournaments across the state and nation through the Silver Gloves and Golden Gloves. She earned the moniker "Momma Carole" from her growing family and boxers whom she looked after to make sure they were doing the right thing.
Bucking tradition again, Carole and Ray married in 2005 in Las Vegas before a boxing match, with her official wedding announcement being made by a newspaper sports columnist. In their spare time, they often could be found puttering around DeGray Lake and sharing good times with friends on G Dock.
She is survived by her husband, Ray Rodgers, of Little Rock; her daughter Cheryl Ringgold and son-in-law Larry Ringgold of Sherwood; son Ray Minor and daughter-in-law Tacy Joffe-Minor of Fayetteville. She also is survived by stepdaughter Lisa Douglas and stepson-in-law Rick Douglas of Cabot; stepson Michael Rodgers and stepdaughter-in-law Jennifer Rodgers of Nashville, Tenn. She also is survived by her sisters Dorothy Ragland of Marshall and Joyce Hall of Damascus, her brother Sam West of Leslie, stepbrother Jim Minor and Rebecca Minor of Benton, and stepsister Sue Ellen Turner of Cave Junction, Ore. She also is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ervin Sebastian West and Tommie Josephine (Martin) West, her first husband Raymond E. Minor, brothers Carl West and Boyce West, sisters Beatrice Coleman, Bettie Seiffert and Adelee Rife; and stepdaughter Dawn Endres.
Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock. Funeral service is 1 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Roller-Owens, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116, and burial will be at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carole's name to the NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation at the NAWIC office, 327 S. Adams St., Fort Worth, TX 76104.
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17 Condolence(s)
Donna Haynes
Saturday, June 8, 2019
What a privilege it was to know Carole! She was an inspiration to so many and will missed.. they don't make many like her anymore. She had so much love for family, friends, and associates! RIP sweet Carole!
THOMAS PENNISTON
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Our family is very sorry for your loss Ray. May the peace of the Lord now be with your wife and give you all strength during this difficult time. God bless.
Tom, Betsy and Ethan Penniston
Roberta "Bert" Monroe Hearne
Monday, June 3, 2019
Cheryl, Ray and Ray and rest of the family. I knew Carole and was good friends with her during the time she was active in NAWIC. I also was active in NAWIC and we went on many trips together. So sorry to hear of her passing. Know she is as peace in heaven now.
Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Robert and Bert Hearne
Alyson Nelson Matthews
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Carole was such a fun friend of my parents Eric and Nell Nelson. I’ll never forget the parties at their house, playing Trivial Pursuit. She and Ray came to my Wedding in Fayetteville in 1982. I miss those days. To you Cheryl and Ray, she will be dancing with my parents now up there and missed down here. Love to you
Kenny Gibbs
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Momma Carole is a ROCK and she knows how to get things done!
Today she walks the Golden Streets above with all the Championships she & Butterball worked with in & out of the ring for decades! She is "The BEST"!
Eugene "Fats" Evans
Friday, May 31, 2019
Ray, Cheryl and Ray:
Praying for you guys and the family. As you know, I worked for Red and Carole for 14 years at Cardinal Construction until it closed. Both Red and Carole were good friends of mine. We had some good memories together. If you need anything, I'm here.
Della Ann Folsom
Friday, May 31, 2019
Surrounding the family with love, light and prayers. I offer my deepest condolences. May the heavenly Father comfort the family during all times of grief.
Becky Prince
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Cheryl and Ray,
I am so sad to hear about your mom's passing. She was a wonderful woman with a big heart. I will always remember the fun New Year's Eve parties she hosted every year and how she welcomed me into her home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate and honor her well-lived life.
David Russell
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Ray,
I am so sorry to hear of Momma Carole's passing. I was stunned when I heard the news as I had just spoken with her last month. She was such a sweet lady and tried her best to keep you out of trouble. I will always cherish my memories of visiting with her at various Golden Gloves events over the years.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Don Patterson
Thursday, May 30, 2019
On Behalf of the Buffalo Golden Gloves, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Carole Rogers. We are truly thankful for her unyielding spirit and sacrifice for the Youth of this country, the Sport of Boxing and the Golden Gloves. Her commitment has been and will always be a source of inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ray Rogers, their Family and Loves ones. She will be missed. May God have Mercy upon her and grant her Paradise.
Terri Maier
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Minor/Rodgers family at the loss of Momma Carole, she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We especially remember Mr. Ray and her grandchildren - Ashley Endres Maier, Adam and Brandon Manzander and their families. May the peace of God surround and comfort each of you.
Terri Maier and Carolyn Synco
Joyce Clark
Thursday, May 30, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss... Love and sympathy to all the family..
Joyce
Mary Maggart
Thursday, May 30, 2019
So many memories of sitting beneath the boxing ring talking about the boys, music and life. I miss those times. Love you! (((HUGS))) and prayers to Ray, Mike and family. <3
Cherie Crow
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Carole and I bowled together for many years...WOW, so many great memories.....A very special gal and a good friend. Ray and family, so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you.
Cherie Crow
Ces & Drew Kelso
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Cheryl......Thinking of you and wishing you peace. Your mother had quite an eventful and fun filled life. I know you will miss her! I’m sure you have lots of amazing memories of her that will be of comfort to you.
Ces & Drew
Helen Carter
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Can't believe you're gone, dear friend. All my love.
Charles and Annette Sanders
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Carole was such a strong and caring person. Her passing will leave a hole in the hearts of all that knew her. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Ray and the family. Charles and Annette Sanders