Enoch "EJ" Francis Rogers, Jr. - Obituary

n April 13, 2024, a young, handsome angel ascended into Heaven’s gates. Enoch F. Rogers, Jr. (EJ) was born on January 10, 1996, during the infamous blizzard of 1996 to Renata Casiel & Enoch F. Rogers, Sr. EJ loved his family, and his family loved him dearly! He made special connections with most of his cousins, aunts, and uncles and deeply cared for all his brothers. EJ was a beautiful bright light wherever he was. He had a sweet, silly side but maintained a serious persona. He was an incredible three-sport athlete, Lacrosse, Football, and Wrestling, while attending Fork Union Military Academy and Wilson High School in Washington, DC. He enjoyed being outside on the go, bike riding, gaming and loved quiet time reading. He had a musical gift. He was self-taught to learn to play several instruments, drums, keyboard, and guitar, where he played in his high school band. He was a Boy Scout and served many hours giving back to the community by volunteering at Martha’s Table. Music was a large part of his life, listening and recording. He was an old soul when it came to music, who enjoyed 90’s R&B and Hip Hop. EJ enjoyed summers at the beach, where he spent weeks in East Hampton with his aunt & uncle for vacations. EJ was affectionately called “Pie” by his Aunt Regina. He was in his element, enjoying family time during Caribbean vacations, sailing, water skiing, snorkeling, and many adventurous activities. Most important to EJ in recent years was becoming a father to son Elijah, whom he affectionately called Lili. Watching EJ read books to Elijah, talk about the stars and the moon, and express the importance of good manners was pure joy. Teaching and giving his son the best motivated EJ to work hard. Elijah says, “Daddy is my Superhero,” and his family will remind him of this every day. EJ is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Dixie Jayne Casiel and Walter Lee Casiel, Sr., and paternal grandfather, Herman Rogers, Jr.; uncles Reginald Davis and Christopher Rogers; aunts Regina Maier and Donna Vincent. EJ leaves to cherish his loving memories, son, Elijah Rein Rogers; mother, Renata Casiel (Maurice Clayborne) of Clinton, MD; Father, Enoch F. Rogers, Sr., (Joan Rogers) of Waldorf, MD; Paternal Grandmother, Matilda Rogers of Landover Hills, MD, brothers: James Peele of New York, NY, and Jalen Rogers of Waldorf, MD, Maurice, Jr. and Marcellus Clayborne of Washington, DC; uncles: Walter Casiel (Shawn Casiel) of King George’s, VA, Walter Proctor of Greensboro, NC, Ragene Short of Southampton, NY, Jason Rogers of Rockville, MD, aunts: Cheryl Hooks of Landover Hills, MD, Philis Rogers of Landover Hills, MD, Janet Holley (Randell Holley) of Suitland, MD; and a host of cousins and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, May 2nd from 10-11 AM until the funeral service begins at 11 AM at First Baptist Church of Highland Park, 6801 Sheriff Rd, Greater Landover, MD 20785. A burial will follow at National Harmony Memorial Park.