Lia's Legacy
This fundraiser is in loving memory of LIA ROGERS on behalf of her beloved daughter NEVAEH ROGERS. It will help Lia's family alleviate lingering medical costs and provide assistance for Nevaeh's future (necessities, schooling, extra-curricular activities, counseling, etc...). All funds will go directly to an account set up for Nevaeh.
REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED LIA...
Lia Denise Rogers made her glorious entry into this world on January 3, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Elbert and Grace Merriweather. She was the second born after her big brother, Bernard Evans. Lia and Bernie were their parent’s proudest achievements and Lia always expressed gratitude for the tenacity, work ethic and support of her parents throughout her childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Merriweather preceded Lia in death. Their lessons shaped her legacy.
A Chicago girl all her life, Lia resided in the Hyde Park neighborhood for the most significant periods of her journey. She was a star student at St. Ambrose Elementary and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Grade School. She continued her academic excellence at St. Ignatius College Prep. It was at St. Ignatius that Lia’s love of writing blossomed, with her leaving an imprint as a contributor to the school newspaper and literary magazine. Lia was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from St. Ignatius in 1993.
She completed her formal education at the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1997 and Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications in 2019. She was incredibly driven and especially proud to have the opportunity to complete her Master’s degree, while working and supporting her family as a Mom and Wife. During her graduate studies, she was honored to be chosen to represent her class as part of a study abroad program in Beijing, Shanghai and Chile.
Wherever Lia went she left a lasting footprint with her spirit, creativity, humor and gentleness. This led her to forging long and impactful friendships throughout her life. While an undergraduate at Northwestern in 1996, Lia pledged and joined the illustrious sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., Theta Alpha Chapter. Lia’s faith in God was strong and she was dedicated to serving others, often volunteering for organizations like the Gift of Hope. She especially loved cats, rooming with several over the years, including her beloved pets Sparkle, Orlando and Foxy.
With an intense creative spirit, Lia’s talent and influence manifested in many ways. She was an inspiring creative, journalistic, comedic and poetic writer. Lia graced the stage and audience with dramatic and humorous performances throughout the years. Professionally she excelled as an accomplished content and marketing manager, and was a self-taught master of communications innovation and technology.
In 2006, Lia was blessed with a second chance through organ donation, undergoing a life-saving liver transplant. As she bravely fought for her health post-transplant, she was supported by a chorus of prayers, family and friends, and her love, Michael Rogers. Mike and Lia were married soon after she recovered from her transplant in 2007 and their union bore a wonderful daughter, Neveah Siobhan Rogers. Becoming a Mom was Lia’s most defining moment.
With perseverance, strength and faith, Lia overcame health challenges throughout her life. Her final health battle came in 2020 when she was diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) and stomach cancer. She was surrounded by family and close friends as her spirit began its heavenly transition. Lia departed in the early morning of October 29, 2020.
Lia’s memory will be forever cherished by her daughter Nevaeh, husband Mike, brother Bernie, family members Denise Hardin, Doreen Moss, Karan Baker, Jesse Harris (Jean), Cheryl Harris, Francine Gipson (Rodney), Max Elliott (Ned Llewelyn-Thomas), Lora Merriweather Walker, Linda Merriweather and a host of close friends, sister friends and Sorors.
VIEW MEMORIAL VIDEO HERE:
Memorial Video 
