Rodger K. McLaughlin Jr.

November 25, 1945 - January 31, 2021

Rodger K. McLaughlin Jr., was called from labor to reward on Sunday, January 31, 2021. He was a bible scholar, exceptional Sunday School Teacher, loyal, reliable Deacon that loved the Lord. Rodger was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and a friend to many that met no strangers. Always ready to provide humor with his witty remarks, statements and ready to tease at any moment. Providing us with never ending laughter. Rodger Kent Mclaughlin Jr. was born November 25,1945 in Chester, Pennsylvania, affectionately called “Junie” and “Junior” by family and friends alike. Rodger was the second oldest child of the late Rodger Kent and Elva Fitzgerald Mclaughlin Sr. As a young child, along with his siblings, their mother Elva ensured that they were given a spiritual foundation at Bethany Baptist Church of Chester, PA. Rodger spent many summers “down the country” with his favorite cousins in Virginia. While there, he learned how to work on the farm, even harvesting tobacco. Rodger, along with his younger brother Wesley were known in the neighborhood as exceptional basketball players. He was extremely protective over his entire family, especially his sisters. He was known to strongly advise suitors against any interest in them. He constantly teased his siblings his whole life, and they loved it. He was a great cook making the best potato salad, home fries, and ribs, but he didn’t want anyone to know. 2 Corinthians 5:8-9 reminds us that, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be present with him” as Rodger Kent is, after passing away unexpectedly from us all. Rodger Kent was educated in the Chester Upland School District. He graduated from Chester High School in 1963. Prior to graduation he enlisted in the United States Airforce. A beautiful young lady, formerly of Brooklyn, NY crossed his path and caught his eye. Her name was Jewell Perrigen. They were married on February 25,1966. From this union, two children, Rodney and Robyn, made the couple a family. Post-graduation, Rodger served in the United States Airforce. He was a member of the Airforce Honor Guard in Washington D.C. for 4 years. After an honorable discharge from the United States Airforce, Rodger followed in the footsteps of his father. He accepted a position at Allied Chemical, which became General Chemical. While there, he worked his way up from the most menial roles to well deserved, Chief Operator. While there, he had a reputation of being skillful, reliable, punctual, responsible, a quick-witted employee, a natural and spiritual mentor to many. He was known to advise his colleagues about work and life related issues, encouraging some, that would hear, with God’s word. He rarely missed a day of work. There were many 4 and 5 am Christmases celebrated with his family prior to Rodger going to work. Approximately, at the age of 58, after 37 years of dedicated service, Rodger retired from General Chemical. Rodger loved his family and his grandchildren. He was a consistent provider. He led in a matter-of-fact way, being brutally honest about his own life lessons. Although, he was tough, he had a huge generous and sentimental heart. Rodger always wanted the best for his family and everyone he encountered. When he was needed, he would never let you down. Throughout the years, He was a reliable man, and was known to say, “if I said I was going to do it, I am going to do it!” He was also conscious about punctuality. If we had plans, you better be ready to go, because he would drive off without you. Rodger was proud of his family and any accomplishments they made. He challenged his family and all he encountered to just do their best. He was an avid sports enthusiast who loved watching the games. He enjoyed watching suspense and cowboy movies with numerous snacks. He had an enormous, sweet tooth. Rodger always wanted Jewell with him at home. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. After nine years, through the prayers of his saved wife, Jewell and the saints, the heart of Rodger Kent Mclaughlin Jr. was captured by the Lord! Hallelujah! It was an amazing transformation to behold. While under the pastoral care of the legendary Edna D. Johnson, the same man, who was told he wouldn’t live past 45, was being refined into Deacon Rodger K. Mclaughlin, now known as one who used the office of a deacon, being found blameless. We would find him, most mornings in that same TV room praying and reading his word. Throughout the years, he shared many testimonies of what he overcame through God’s help, including being a prostate cancer survivor. We recall one such testimony, where he asked the Lord to take away the taste of cigarettes. Rodger shared how he walked into the bathroom one morning and when he came out, he knew that the Lord had taken the taste out of his mouth. Hallelujah! Early on in his spiritual walk, he constantly quoted the scripture, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17 Rodger said that this was the scripture that God gave him. He was a perfect example of God’s transformative power. Rodger Mclaughlin Jr. went down in the name of Jesus for the remission of his sins and received the gift of the Holy Ghost just as the scripture hath said. He became dedicated to the Lord, and his house. He assisted with church functions and was loyal, punctual and faithful to the services. Pastor Edna D. Johnson noted his dedication, and recommended Brother Rodger be elevated to the office of a Deacon. He was ordained in Marion, SC early in his Christian walk. Because of his testimonies he was an inspiration to all both young and old. The younger men expressed how much they enjoyed talking with Deacon Mclaughlin. They also expressed how they shared many thought-provoking conversations with him that left them inspired. They valued how down to earth he was, and his humorous ways empowered them both spiritually and naturally. He will be sorely missed by all. After the passing of the late National Mother Edna D. Johnson, Deacon Mclaughlin became a member of Brighter Day GHCOC, Inc. under the pastorship of the National Mother Rosie M. Williams. He loved his church family, and of course his Pastor Rosie M. Williams, who he was loyal to until death. Brighter Day was one big extended family. While with Pastor Williams, Deacon Mclaughlin continued steadfast at Brighter Day, and served the Greater Highway Churches of Christ, Inc. He loved the saints and the young people. He kept various saints well stocked with candy. Deacon would often give money to the young people and adults on their birthdays or if there was a need. Special mention to Deacon Nelson Thompson who, recently preceded him in death. Along with Deacon Thompson, He baptized many of the saints, including his two grandchildren; Jayda, Jackson, and his sister in law, Gloria Johnson, who preceded him in death. He would transport many of the saints to and from services. There was no job that he wouldn’t do. You could find Deacon, along with Deacon Herbert Williams cleaning bathrooms, taking out the trash, opening the church for services, and officiating over Sunday services. Deacon loved to open up the services with the song, “This is the Day that the Lord has made”, and he would always gesture for all to assist him with the second verse. He loved community and would be found helping at other community outreach events, especially at Calvary Baptist Church. The men of Calvary Baptist knew he couldn’t turn down a slab of ribs, and he would always order three. They would have them waiting for him. He leaves to cherish the greatest of memories, his wife of 55 years, Jewell Mclaughlin; two children, Rodney Kent Mclaughlin (Tess) and Robyn Davis; A special son in law, Pastor Raymond F. Davis III with whom he shared humorous and special memories of Florence, SC; Five grandchildren, Brianna Mclaughlin, Ronesha Brown, Jayda Davis, Jackson Davis, and the littlest guy, Justin Davis that completely stole his heart; One brother, Sheridan Jones (Joan) of Chester, PA, three sisters, Greta Hammond of DE, Joyce Bowman (Edgar) of Thornton, PA and Juvette Mclaughlin of Chester, PA; one brother who preceded him in death, Wesley Mclaughlin (Sinail); Two brother in laws, Earl Perrigen (Roxanne) of CA and John Perrigen (Trish) of Chester, PA; Special nieces and nephews, Gregory Hammond and Joy Toler (Doug), Darnley Belgrave aka Man, Dawn Pierce (Ronald), Evette Bowman, who he affectionately called “my little zebra,” Jerrold McRae (Farron)of Florida, Janae Mclaughlin of Chester, PA, Wesley Mclaughlin Jr of Newark, DE. and Erik Mclaughlin of Chicago, Ill, Sherri Jones of Phoenix, AZ, Christopher Jones of Los Angeles, CA, Rosalind Grier of DE. Two God children Ashley Mason of Charlotte, NC and Kameron Watkins of Atco, NJ. A host of great nieces and nephews, along with adopted nieces and nephews in the community who loved him dearly and affectionately called him “UNC”or Uncle Rodger. Also many in the city of Chester that loved him and were devastated by this great loss. Deacon Rodger Mclaughlin leaves his Brighter Day Church family an exceptional Pastor, Rosie M. Williams along with her husband, Deacon Herbert Williams; The Great Expectation Church family and their Pastor Raymond F Davis III who was also his son-in-law. They were not just church associates they were family. Although devastated, we are reminded that he made his destination in 1Thessalonians 4:13, “But I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82445572474?pwd=RGF3STFDdnhJSXBwYkFWWlU5TUtsUT09