Ervan Devan Rodgers

Ervan D. Rodgers peacefully transitioned to his eternal home on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of72 years old. He was born on Monday, November 23, 1953, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the son of Sammie Rodgers, Sr. and Zelma Rodgers. He relocated to Lansing, Michigan in 1984. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, twin, brother, and friend whose life was rooted in faith, family, and music.

Ervan accepted Christ at an early age and lived a life devoted to serving God through his gifts. A talented Minister of Music, he had a deep love for gospel music and faithfully shared that passion and taught amultitude of musicians, choirs and individuals throughout the years. Ervan was a faithful and dedicated member of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Additionally, throughout his life he shared his music ministry in many churches including Second Baptist, Hopewell Baptist, New Bethel Baptist, and Pilgrim Rest Baptist. He was a founding member of The Sounds Unlimited and a member of the Southwest Michigan Chapter Choir. His music ministry uplifted congregations and brought joy, comfort, and inspiration to countless lives.

In addition to his service to the church, Ervan was a hardworking and respected Digital and Communication Technician for 42 years at AT&T, known for his skill, reliability, and strong work ethic throughout his career. Beyond his faith and family, Ervan had a lifelong love for cars — especially Corvettes and attending car shows. He also enjoyed bike riding, spending time on the range, and photography. Also, he was an avid video gamer and loved all things, technology, from keyboards to gadgets.

Ervan’s life reflected his belief in God’s promises, and his legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the music he played. One of Ervan’s favorite scriptures, which guided his life and strengthened his faith, was “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 

Family was Ervan’s greatest joy and priority. He leaves to cherish his loving and devoted memory his wife of 52 years, Marjorie Rodgers. He’s a proud, committed father to his children: Ervan (Rashanda) Rodgers II, Cori Rodgers, Tori (Corey) Davis, and LaMaris (Yvette) Rodgers. He found immense joy in being “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren, Alexis, Adrienne, Ervan III, Aaliyah, Jayden, Cori II, Jordan, Payton, Ares, and Amouri, each of whom held a special place in his heart; loving mother, Zelma Rodgers; siblings, Ivan Rodgers (his twin brother), Monica Jones, Courtney (Rosaria) Rodgers, and Alexandria (Theron) Williams; sisters-in-law, Diane Rodgers, Maryann Rodgers, Audree Rodgers, Ollie Simmons, and Stella Croft; and brothers-in-law, James Bell Jr., David (Faye) Bell, and Lee Andrew (Deborah) Bell. He also leaves to cherish his memory his beloved godchildren, Pavielle Burton and DeAndre Woods, and extended family members, Shiela Griffin, Barbara Smith, Mukonjay Barkons, Balenda Thurmond, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members, church family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sammie Rodgers, Sr.; brother, Sammie Rodgers Jr.; niece, Kiani Rodgers; nephew, Dane Griffin; brothers-in-law, Carl Lee Bell, Dennis Simmons, and Eddie Croft; and mother-in-law, Ollie Ray Bell,and father-in-law, James Bell Sr.

Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing that Ervan D. Rodgers has heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” and now rests in eternal peace with his Lord and Savior.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”— 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)