Darlene K. Rogers 1938-2025

Born Sept. 23, 1938, in Struthers, Darlene was the cherished daughter of Rollie O. Kimbrough and Arzana Olivia Brown Kimbrough.

A resident of Bowie, Maryland, for the past 12 years, she previously lived in Youngstown, where she profoundly impacted her community and professional endeavors.

Darlene was a committed scholar, graduating from South High School in 1956. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from Youngstown State University in 1960, followed by a master’s degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University in 1971.

Her impressive career included pivotal roles as a social worker with the United Way and her historic election as the first black woman to serve on Youngstown City Council as the 3rd-Ward councilwoman. Darlene dedicated her life to serving others before her retirement.

A member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Darlene also contributed to St. Andrews AME Church in Youngstown, where she and her family members were beloved choir members, and served as minister of music and trustee. She was married in this church in 1960.

Additionally, her commitment to community service was reflected through her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Darlene’s impact extended beyond her family; she was a passionate advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, actively participating in the 1960s movement. She collaborated with national leaders in the 1980s, such as Jesse Jackson Sr., Betty Shabazz (Malcolm X’s late wife) and Randall Robinson, alongside close friends and sorority sisters like the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Darlene founded Operations Upbeat, a music program dedicated to employing graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to enhance the education of Youngstown City Schools’ students. She also served as an adjunct professor in the African American studies department at Youngstown State University.

Darlene is fondly remembered as a loving wife to Lewis “Red” Rogers Jr., whom she married Aug. 27, 1960.

She is survived by her two sons, Lewis Todd Rogers Sr. and Douglas Scott Rogers, both of Bowie, Maryland; her brothers, Rollie O. (Gwendolyn) Kimbrough and Dwayne G. (Denise) Kimbrough; along with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years; her parents; and her brother, Kenneth Kimbrough.

Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Christ Centered Church, 3300 Hudson Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511, with calling hours 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A Delta Sigma Theta service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday at the church.

Darlene will be laid to rest in Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Condolences can be sent to Darlene Kimbrough Rogers, c/o Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home, 632 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made via Cash App or Zelle to lewisr4288.

Darlene Kimbrough Rogers will be remembered for her kindness, strength and unwavering commitment to her family and community. She will be deeply missed.

Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Funeral Home.

(special notice)