Carolyn Roderique: 6-27-1942
On Jan 3rd, 2025, we lost our beloved Carolyn Roderique. She was born on June 27, 1942, and lived a full and passionate life. She is survived by her sister, Mary and her husband Wayne; along with nieces Molly (husband Mark and daughters, Claire and Catie); Emily (husband Jeff); Anne (husband Nate); nephews James (wife Rebecca) and Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Fertina Roderique, along with her brother James and sister, Ruth.

Carolyn graduated from Central High School in 1960 where she was the trumpet captain in the Kiltie Drum Corps, as well as the Vice President of her senior class. She went on to graduate from Bob Jones University in 1966 with a BS in Education. She began her career in St. James, Mo, but moved back to her hometown of Springfield to teach 8th-grade science at Pershing Junior High for 30 years.

Carolyn was the matriarch of the Roderique family. It was at her house that people often gathered for family holidays or Sunday supper, where she'd cook a big meal for our equally big family—everyone crammed comfortably into her back room on Madaline Street that held a large dining table. Then later, in her sunny kitchen on Beechwood. And when a group wasn't gathered in Carolyn's kitchen, they'd be relaxing in her yard. As a master gardener, she spent her days transforming a large swath of grass and dirt into something that resembled what heaven might look like.

Cog (as she was often called) didn't have biological children--and it may have been why she was the very best mother to so many. To her own sister, who was her built-in best friend. To her nieces and nephews, her grand nieces, to Kelly–her late friend Donna's cherished daughter–-to her students, her dogs, and her dearest group of friends.

Carolyn had a deep dedication to her friendships. She kept in touch, traveled, played cards, had supper clubs, and so much more–with so many people who loved her. Her ability to hold an abundance of people close during her entire life will never cease to amaze us–and only solidifies how wonderful of a person she was.

We will miss so many things about Cog: going to the movies together on Christmas Day, phone calls, lunch dates, book clubs, and coming over to help her around the house when you really just want to hang out with her. And every single one of us who had the pleasure of hearing Cog's voice will especially miss her infectious laughter that might just be the very best laugh in the entire world. That might be what heaven sounds like.

Our beloved Carolyn Roderique went by many monikers: Sister, aunt, best friend, daughter, teacher. She was our sounding board, our support system, and our biggest cheerleader. She was Cog. Our Coggie. And to some, Miss. Roderique. But to all of us: Carolyn Roderique was Willie Nelson's biggest fan.

We love you, Cog. You're a good hearted woman who will always be on our mind.

Visitation will be held from 11:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 in University Heights Baptist Church with a memorial service beginning at 12:30 p.m.