This was originally posted on the blog of the business I owned for 7 years.
Anne Moss Rogers’ son, Charles, 20, died by suicide June 5, 2015.
Charles was a creative genius who was articulate, intelligent, funny and loved to rap. He was currently in the process of producing a new album when he died by suicide.
While he lit up every room he ever entered, he struggled with anxiety and depression, addiction, ADHD and a sleep disorder. A deep, soulful and sensitive young man, Charles loved and treasured family and loved dogs, funky socks, drama and writing. But most of all, he loved people. His friends. His family.
He was one of a kind, a true non conformist. Charles Rogers was Peter Pan. He was just never meant to grow up.
Memorial Service and Celebration of the life of Charles Aubrey Rogers, 04/26/1995 – 06/05/2015
PLACE: Grace Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond VA http://ghtc.org/
TIME: Wednesday, June 10 at 11am in the church sanctuary
AFTER: The family will host a celebration of Charles’ life in the Fellowship Hall after the service at approximately 11:30am
PARKING: VCU parking deck near the Altria Theatre. It will be about $7 or $8 to park, so do carpool.
In lieu of Flowers, please make donations to Beacon Tree Foundation, advocates for youth mental health.
Friends of Charles, BRING PHOTOS AND A STORY TO TELL
1. Bring one to the ceremony if you have one printed
2. Send ePhotos to AdamCBloom@gmail.com by 6pm Tuesday night for slide show
The church can be chilly inside so plan accordingly.
#reezin, #charlesrogers
Anne Moss – There are no words that can express the deep sorrow for the tragedy of your loss. I never met Charles but know the passion and hard work you put into everything, knowing that is the same effort that went into helping raise your son. I have been thinking of you often and hope you are moving slowly forward coping with this horrific event. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. Thank you for letting us know about the efforts of the Beacon Tree Foundation and how we can help the future of mental health disease in children.
Anne-Moss, we have been thinking of and talking about Charles since learning this horrible news. I’ve visited his FB page and these comments daily and read of his impact on so many people. What a shining light he was in this world, even while struggling with his own dark side. Your tribute to him was written with such grace, love, and understanding. It reflects exactly what I remember about our dinner at Capital Ale House when we first met to figure out how to help your precious son. Your efforts were a gift. None of it was in vain. We are praying, praying, praying for all of you with love.
Ann Moss – Scott Wagner just told us about your son’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. You and Randy will be in our prayers as you work through this difficult time. Elizabeth and Mark Lewis
Anne,
I am so sorry to hear of Charles’ passing. I just learned of it today, and I am deeply saddened.
Jan
Anne Moss, Randy and Richard. I never had the chance to meet Charles but I know that he was a loving, amazing, determined, childlike, creative genius – just like Richard. I love you all so much and my thoughts and prayers are with you daily. I only wish that we all could find some way to ease your pain during this time. You are such a beautiful family and I am so very blessed to have met you. I hope you can feel everyone wrapping their arms around you with love and support. I will make a contribution to Beacon Tree Foundation in Charles’ memory.
Not sure if you’ll ever see or read this but I first met Charles at FCCR. He was so hilarious and just plain goofy, which really helped make the meetings better and more fun to be at. It truly breaks my heart, but I am very appreciative to have had his presence in my life when I was going through rough times.
Dear Anne,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. You are obviously a wonderful and strong mother. May the happy memories of Charles always be a blessing to you.
James (Partners in Healthcare)
Dear Anne,
I am devastated by the loss of Charles and I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I wanted to share a couple of stories about him with you. I brought a group of Comedy class students to Cedar City where “Off the Cuff”, a professional group of Improvisers, graciously allowed us to perform with them. Charles was amazing and OTC were so impressed with all the boys…one said “I thought we would have to carry the evening and help these kids out but NO not once.” As we were leaving Charles said to me…”that was the best weekend I ever had” He was so truly in his element and it was one of those moments that make my life worthwhile.
I did a production of Alice in Wonderland and cast him as the Caterpillar. At first I was trying to direct him in this way or that then one day it occurred to me to just let him do it his way. It was stunning and everyone in the room knew they were in the presence of genius. We took this piece to Regional and State Drama Competition and Charles also entered a Humorous Monologue of his own invention. He became an instant sensation at the competition. Girls were following him everywhere and we all felt like we had brought Elvis to a Kindergarten picnic. It was fantastic and we were all thrilled. Though i only knew him briefly while he was at Wasatch I feel I got to experience him in all his glory and I will never forget him.
My thoughts are with you,
winnie
So sorry to hear this news. God bless you Anne Moss and your family. XO Christine (from your days at Martin)
I was so sorry to hear the news of Charles’ passing. He and my son, Peter were friends at FFS and Peter often spoke fondly of Charles. He was planning to be in Charles’ entourage when he hit the big time with his music! I hope that he is now at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through a parent’s worst nightmare.
So very sorry. We were all deeply saddened to hear about Charles. You have been in our thoughts and prayers. There are no words to comfort your loss, so I’ll just say if you ever need anything our doors are open. Sincere Regards. Ann, Gary, Johnny, Heather.
Hi Anne Moss,
I never met you but last fall I was in an acting class at JTCC with Charles. He Inspired everyone there with his laughter, creativity and encouragement. I was heartbroken to hear of his passing but would like you to know that he will never be forgotten. He was truly an amazing guy and I am so blessed to have spent a semester with him. Praying for you and your family . Lots of love,
Lydia Foster
Anne Moss,
Like you, I’ve been a writer professionally but the moving hand does not write well at times like this. While we haven’t communicated in about a decade since our skull base surgery days, I follow (but don’t do) Facebook. What a shock to see your post a couple days ago so unlike your usual, upbeat messages about the exciting things going on in your life, and those of your sons who have always been at the center of your universe. I recall your excitement a year or so ago when Charles graduated from high school in Utah and the promise ahead for his unusual talents and creativity. Know that my thoughts are with you and your family, and from our past communications am confident that you, somehow, eventually, will find the strength to move beyond this excruciating loss while holding him close always in your soul.
Anne Moss…..I didn’t know Charles personally but knew of him through the theater deptment at Cosby. I have very fond memories of watching Richard and Tucker play soccer together in middle school and getting to know you on the sidelines. I just wanted to express my condolences to you….my heart just aches for you and your family. Thinking and praying for all of you at such a hard time.
Dear Rogers family,
My deepest sympathy for your family. I have a very fond memory babysitting your boys and watching ninja turtles. I am happy to have that memory with Charles. I hope you feel the warmth and support of our community. Throughout my nursing career, I hope I am able to give unconditional love to those suffering from mental illness and that their needs are met. Praying for your family and hope that you can continue to reflect on the joy that Charles brought to this life.
Sincerely,
Emily Tibbens
Dear Anne,
Mindy and I are so sorry to hear about Charles. He sounds like an incredible young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. No words can truly express our sorrow. May the good Lord be with your family and with Charles.
Dear Anne Moss, although I didn’t work with Charles directly at the FFS, I was assigned to his house and well remember his musical talent, intelligence, sense of humor, and ability to connect in the heart with so many different types of people. He was a beautiful human being and I pray that he is at peace and rapping among the angels. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry. I was blessed to know Charles during his last months at FFS. He always made us laugh. I remember his gift for making people happy, his genuinely beautiful spirit, his knee socks! I am praying for you and for him and for all your family during this devastating time. God bless you.
Anne Moss, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dearest Anne Moss, What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. My heart goes out to you, Randy, Richard, along with all who loved this handsome young man. You are a true champion and a very special person. Praying for all. Please take care of yourself.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray that you are surrounded by love and support in this time of need.
Anne Moss, How sorry I was to learn this heartbreaking news. Please know you are in my heart and prayers. Depression, anxiety and the ups-and-downs of fighting it all, can take such a huge toll. I know Charles was a special young man who fought it all valiantly. Only God knows how often he won the fight. He was lucky to have you as his Mom and daily advocate. I send big love to you and your family, Tricia
I am so sorry to hear about Charles passing. I had met him a few times when he was with different kids when they and my daughter were in highschool. Keeping your family and Charles in my prayers. I did not know him well but he was always silly and smiling when we spoke….he always made me laugh. My heart feels broken for your lose, especially as a mother!
I am so very sorry to hear the news about Charles. I remember reading your testimony through Beacon Tree and was so touched by your willingness to share your story. Thank You for your dedication to such a worthy cause and may your story help many others as you continue to troop forward and bring light to the struggles of many youth in today’s world. Continued prayers for you and your family and may Gods mercy bring abundant blessings to you now as you grieve the loss of your amazing, sensitive and talented son.
Anne…we met a couple of years ago when my son Bryan was assigned to “buddy” Charles at the Family School. We also had some talks about our sons and our hopes and our fears for a very uncertain future. I remember the first time I met Charles was at the Family School picnic…and noticing a young man with a beautiful smile and a great personality. Wherever Bryan went…there was Charles! Bryan is heart broken and needless to say, my heart and my soul ache for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Bryan will be on his way to VA tomorrow morning to pay his respect to you and your family and to wish his ” buddy” a good bye…for now.
I taught your beautiful boy in Sunday School and was charmed by him. Life stinks in this broken world, but I have seen great beauty from the ashes. We lost Maggie almost four years ago (she was a year older then Charles). Maybe you and I can get together and share our hearts…
So, sorry for your loss. Certainly in our thoughts and prayers.
Oh, Anne Moss, my heart is sad for you and yours. I remember your son as a full of life little man. May your memories comfort you and bring smiles. God bless.
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Celebration of the Life of Charles Aubrey Rogers
We are saddened by the passing of Charles…..and thinking about you and Randy and your family…..Love …Virginia and Ramon
Celebration of the Life of Charles Aubrey Rogers
Jun 8, 2015
4:26 PM
Dear Anne
I was fortunate to work with Charles for a short time at Wasatch Academy. He was a great musician! We worked so hard to build a tesla coil together for his engineering class. It was something I will never forget – I watched him go from total reluctance to becoming involved and into it. He is one I have often thought about and I know I will never forget. I am so sorry that the world has lost him but I am sure he is rapping for a celestial audience now . You have my deep deep sympathy for your loss. Cynthia
What a beautiful gift you son was! Although I did not know you well I pray that the wonderful memories Charles left you and your family will give you peace. God Bless you all.
Anne Moss my heart breaks for you and your family and for Charles. I am so sorry for the struggles Charles faced in his short life. You should be proud of the love, understanding and support you gave to Charles all the while educating us on subjects that many turn away from. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne Moss –
There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am for you and my heart just aches for you. I pray that God will watch over you and your family, protect you at this time and send you many signs that Charles is right there with you always.
I’ve asked Rodeo, my love-incarnate dog buddy, to find Charles and to give him all the joy and love I got while he was here…I’m sure they will be great friends.
Anne Moss –
My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that you’ll be in my thoughts are prayers.
With deepest condolences,
Charleen
There are no words that can ease the pain for the loss of such a young man. May he finally be at peace. God Bless.
You are in my prayers. I have a son who has experienced life the same way! So very heartbreaking!
Ann Moss, we have only met in passing at parties over the years, but I just wanted you to know how very, very sorry we are for your loss. Charles was in between the grade of my two older kids…. We understand the mental health and addictive struggles- my brother passed way to soon because of it. You are, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers. We also purposefully used my brother’s struggles to educate and help even one family or kid struggling. Sincerely, Aileen and the Owens family
Anne Moss, Though we don’t know each other on a personal level, and not much yet on the professional side, I’m so very saddened to hear this about your son. There cannot possibly be enough meaning in words to comfort you. I will pray for your lasting joy for the time that you have been blessed with Charles and that you are surrounded by loved ones to support you in your time of need. Much love, Jordan Hendler
Anne Moss,
I am so sorry to hear this news. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Celebration of the Life of Charles Aubrey Rogers
Jun 8, 2015
1:05 PM