Charleen "Nana" Palmer Higgs Rogers

Charleen Palmer Higgs Rogers departed this world for the next on December 27, 2025, at the age of 94.

She was a fixture in her community, having been a longtime member of Pleasant Heights Baptist Church and a resident of Columbia, TN, since she and her family moved there and opened the first Columbia Battery automotive shop in 1981, which later expanded to Lightning Lube.

The beloved matriarch of a large family, Charleen is survived by two sons, Darrell Higgs (Nancy) and Randy Higgs (Kathie), her sister, Ella Palmer Anglin, two stepsons from her second marriage, Davis Rogers (Janet) and Dennis Rogers (Pauline). Affectionately known as “Nana” for the latter half of her life, she is further survived by twelve grandchildren: Cody Higgs, Ashlea Robertson (Billy), Dawson Higgs (Jill), Stephanie Higgs, Brianna Dale (Carlisle), Katie Higgs, Adam Higgs (Samantha), Austin Higgs (Ashley), Kayla Smith (Sam), Taylor Rogers, Holly Rogers, and Marigrace Rogers. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren and family friend Jessy Higgs. Her family was the center of her life, and she cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly.

She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, having been married first to O. D. Higgs for 35 years before finding love again with Keith Rogers for the last 15 years of his life.

She found great joy in caring for others, especially through cooking for those she loved, a gift she shared generously and with great pride.

She was a devoted Southern Baptist and a true believer in Christ’s love and forgiveness. A devoted Bible reader and teacher, Charleen’s faith guided her life and shaped her values. She loved to sing, lifting her voice in praise and joy.

Charleen appreciated the beauty of God’s creation, especially flowers of all kinds, and delighted in traveling whenever she could. Charleen was a strong woman, born in Holly Springs, MS, during the height of the Great Depression, yet rising to become her high school’s salutatorian and later the mother of four children, two of whom preceded her in death: Kevin Higgs (Marcia) and Gary Higgs.

She took great care of her health and always presented herself with grace, dressing impeccably and carrying herself with dignity. Known for her sharp wit and loyal heart, Charleen was a true friend to many and will be remembered for her strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She will be remembered as a stalwart leader of her family, an unmatched chef, and an unapologetic truth-teller. Charleen was a hardy woman of a world forgotten, but her influence will last through generations.

She will lie in state at her beloved Pleasant Heights Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:30pm for public viewing, followed by a private burial service for the family. Rev. Bob Vassar will speak at the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, Charleen and her family ask that gifts or contributions be given in her name to Pleasant Heights Baptist Church or The Pregnancy Center of Columbia.

With dignity and care, Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family.