C. Lawler Rogers Sr.

C. Lawler Rogers Sr. was born on January 2, 1933 in Charlottesville, Virginia to the late Lula Susie Wicks Rogers and Charles Fuller Rogers. He passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 7th, 2021. Lawler, as he was called by his friends was lovingly referred to as "C. Lawler", Lawler, "Charlie", and "Cholly" by close Charlottesville family and by so many others he touched during his life.

Lawler received his early education at Jefferson High School in Charlottesville, Virginia. After High School he received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Virginia State College (now University) and his Master's Degree from The University of Michigan.

Lawler has had a long and distinguished career in the Field Of Music as an Educator, Arts Administrator, Orchestral and Band Conductor and promoter of Multi-Cultural Initiatives. His Music Career began as an Instructor of Music at the Albert Harris High School in Martinsville, Virginia moving on to Shaw University as an Associate Professor, Chairperson of the Music Department, and organizing the University's first Marching Band, Chairman of the Music Department in addition to Band Director. He transferred to P.S. DuPont High School Wilmington, DE bringing a spectacular non-core style marching band that the City of Wilmington had never seen. During desegregation, Lawler was Band Director at Hamby Junior High School and then promoted Brandywine High School a few years later. Lawler then accepted the position of Supervisor of Fine Arts and Humanities where he worked until he retired in 1998. During his time, he set the standards for Arts Programming in Delaware's Schools leading by his own example and by his participation in the State's School Reform Movement as a member of the Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Framework Commission of the State's School Reform Movement.

"Charlie" loved his family and especially enjoyed coordinating and attending the Carter/Wicks Family Reunions over the years at the Boars Head Inn in Charlottesville. His family was most important to him, always offering love, support, and an unconditional lending hand. "Cholly" touched the lives of many with his open heart and kind thoughtful touch. He was a "Gentle Giant" who took his family responsibilities and love for music education very seriously and carried his passion for students, family and friends, and colleagues with every footprint he left with those that remember him fondly.

One of Lawler's' former students, now noted author, James McBride, in his book "The Color of Water" writes about how the discipline of Music changed his life and candidly attributes that "change" to his Music Teacher, a Black Man, C. Lawler Rogers. Interestingly enough, Lawler's mantra over the years has always been "For Excellence in Education...Look to the Arts". This notable tribute along with many other commendations, led to Lawler Rogers being the proud and grateful recipient of The Governors' Award for Excellence In The Arts for Education in 2000. Lawler served on the Board of The Wilmington Music School - Delaware, Opera Delaware, The Delaware Symphony Association, Christina Cultural Arts Center, and the Education Commission. The Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts and Kuumba Academy Charter School. He served as Conductor of the Claymont Community Chorus, Conductor Clinician for the Diamond State Concert Band, Conductor for The Arden Singers, The Brandywiners, the Gilbert and Sullivan Productions, Opera Delaware, and The Sussex County Junior High Honors Band.

Lawler was the chosen Music Director of OperaDelaware' productions of "Harriet, the Woman Called Moses," and musical director of "High Notes and Starry Nights" (African American musical theatre experience on Broadway). Many will remember Lawler as one was one of the Founders of the HildaMan Chorale along with his longtime Musical Collaborative Partners, Leander Morris and Allen Clark. He also conducted the Diversity Choir of DuPont Employees and Retirees and brought the "hallelujah" to the "Hallelujah Handel" composition in music partnering with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Wilmington Music School Youth Chorus in January 2001. With The Delaware Valley Chorale he conducted James Weldon Johnson's "God's Trombones". He also conducted The Delaware All State Jr. High School Chorus in March 2001 and the Cecil County Middle School Honors Chorus in November 2002.

As a single Performing Artist, Lawler's rich baritone vocals enriched the musical; offerings of The Delaware Chamber, Brandywiners, and countless Recitals throughout the State of Delaware. He thoroughly enjoyed sharing his baritone vocals from the stage to the shower to the classroom to a full-blown orchestra. His CD entitled "My Heart Sings" contains ten popular songs .Lawler loved singing and sharing …He loved Music!!

Lawler referred to his son C. Lawler Rogers Jr. as "My Son" because he wanted everyone to know how proud he was of him. Lawler Sr. will always be revered by Lawler Jr. as THE most amazing man in this world and beyond.

Lawler leaves to cherish his memories beloved wife Janice Davis Rogers, son C. Lawler Rogers Jr., Damon Pearson, Sr. (Janel) and Donte' Davis; grandchildren Alicia Thomas, Lawler "Trey" III, Chloe Laurelle, and DeCarlo Rogers, Dwayne, Jr., Damon, Jr. D'Maya and Chelsey Pearson, Danika Mable (Terrell), Turquoise and Tieara Robinson, Elijah, Laila and Gabriella Davis; nine great grandchildren; niece Joncy Brooks, aunt Velma Wicks; sister-in-law, Audrey DeMarco and a host of other family and friends. He was pre-deceased by his mother and father Lula Susie Wicks and Charles Fuller Rogers, brother Carter Gordon "CG" Rogers and son Dwayne Pearson, Sr.



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