Baashila Rodgers

Baashila Sharone “Baash” Rodgers, entered this world on March 3, 1973, at Moncrief Army Hospital in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, as the first-born son to Army Private Windell and his wife, Patricia Etheredge Rodgers. He left this world and entered into eternal rest on October 23, 2017, with his mother holding his hand at Gwinnett Medical Center in Duluth, Georgia.

The majority of Baash’s life was enjoyed in Greenville County, South Carolina. He was a 1991 graduate of Mauldin High School, and attended Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina, and Greenville Technical College in Greenville. Baash served for a brief time in the United States Army, training to become a Chemical Operations Specialist. He would later work in different jobs primarily in Greenville and Atlanta, Georgia.

Baash was always jovial and kindhearted. He loved good laughs and was often the source of such. He was not into judging others and accepted people as they were. He was different in that he associated with the crowd, but never became a part of the crowd. He never lost respect for others, especially adults. Baash, from his birth until his departure, loved music. The artist Prince was his favorite. He knew every artist down to the actual grooves imprinted on the vinyl. His childhood book recordings were often recited verbatim to include the “beep” to turn the page.

Baash was a believer in God and always prayed. He joined and was baptized at the Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church, where he formed many wonderful relationships with some of God’s most precious people that exist until this day.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfathers, Mr. Daniel Etheredge and Mr. Arthur Smith; and his paternal grandparents, Mr. William Augustus and Mrs. Susanne Gaymon Rodgers.

Baash, even in death, was loved by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters, Wendi D’Eri Rodgers of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Marcia Gadson-Iszard (Nick) of Blythewood, South Carolina. He also leaves to cherish his life, his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Etheredge Smith of Columbia, South Carolina; he is also survived by several aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends whom he loved dearly, and who loved him.