Iris "Ikey" Nelson Rogers

Together again…As of May 15, 2026, Iris “Ikey” Nelson Rogers was escorted to Heaven by her Lord and Savior where she was reunited with her beloved husband, Carroll. Although we will miss her every day we take comfort in knowing that they are happily floating across Heaven’s golden dance floor together. True to their wedding vows they always wanted to be together. God was gracious to them as they were by each others side for 64 years and 11 days and were only apart for 79 days before they were joyfully reunited for eternity.

Ikey’s previously lost loved ones include her cherished husband, Carroll Rogers; parents, Ira and Cora Lea Nelson; brother, Russell (Alda) Nelson; sister, June (Ed) Davis; and in-laws, Paul and Lorene Rogers.

Left to cherish her memory are son, Chris (Mary Beth) Rogers; daughter, Missy Rogers; son, Jody (Alicia) Rogers; grandchildren, Jeremy (Jill) Rogers, Alex Rogers, Ashleigh Rogers, Christina Rogers, and Elizabeth Rogers; and sister, Ginger (Brad) Claybon.

Ikey was born in Miami, Florida but the family soon moved to Dandridge, TN. She loved her hometown and graduated from Maury High School. After marrying the love of her life, she and Carroll made their home in Jefferson City, TN where they raised their three children and enjoyed the rest of their lives hosting family and friends.

Ikey loved entertaining and sharing her talents. She was a great cook and baker and thoroughly enjoyed welcoming guests to her home with open arms and a full plate! She treated everyone like family. But of all her guests, Ikey was happiest to have her grandkids with her. She adored them and they adored her. “Grammy” read bedtime stories to them, played bingo with them and always kept their favorite treats on hand. Her grandkids were the light of her life.

Ikey and Carroll were the epitome of a happily married couple. Their union was one of unwavering love, deep donation, and mutual respect. They created a Christian home environment centered around nurturing their children, caring for others, and lots of fun! Theirs was truly a happy home. Ikey was always happy no matter where she was. She was a very social person and especially enjoyed ballroom dancing with her handsome “hubby” and their great group of friends.

Ikey absolutely had a servants heart. She retired after 25 years of service with the Jefferson County Schools. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, donated time to many activities at First Baptist Church of Jefferson City where she was a faithful member for 50 years. She also cooked and delivered countless meals for those in need.

Ikey loved all things sparkly, glittery, and shiny! This was true for her jewelry, her ballroom dancing attire, right down to her favorite sneakers encrusted with crystals. The Christmas season was her favorite time of year. She loved the sparkling lights and tinsel on the tree but her favorite decoration was a simple nativity set because she truly loved its story.

Of all the sparkly things Ikey surrounded herself with, her own sweet smile and heart of gold shone the brightest. She was truly a radiant beacon of God’s love to everyone she met.

Ikey’s family considered her to be a wonderful wife, the world’s greatest mom and “Grammy”, the most precious mother-in-law, the queen of hospitality, the happiest, kindest, and sweetest person with a voice to match, the bright spot in everyone’s day, and quite simply – their sunshine.

If you would like to honor Ikey’s memory, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or simply help someone in need.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN