Lanetta Tiokasin was born November 9th, 1946 in Tallulah, Louisiana to the union of Beatrice Lexing and James Lee McIntosh. Lanetta was the first born out of nine children. She was raised by her grandmother in South Central, Los Angeles.
While living in Los Angeles, Lanetta graduated from Freemont High School. Upon commencement, she began her new chapter in life training to become a dental assistant, which brought her much excitement for the future. She worked under the direction of Dr. Lamont for many years. Soon after, Lanetta met, fell in love with and married Roy Rodgers. Lanetta and Roy relocated to Seattle, Washington for a fresh start while also connecting and strengthening their bond with other family members and starting one of their own. On October 13, 1972, she gave birth to her beloved baby girl, Rebecca Elizabeth Rodgers. Rebecca was the love of Lanetta’s life. It was a delight to watch Lanetta care for her dearest daughter – always by her side and often color coordinated, but always dressed to the tee!
Lanetta’s personality was one that was adored by many. She was quiet and reserved, but friendly and loving to those who knew her well. She always had a way of flashing you her signature smile that would reel you in wanting to know her better. Although she was not taking mess from anyone, Lanetta always ensured to give praise and let those she loved know she was proud of them.
Lanetta was devoted to working in positions where she was helping others. She had an immense work ethic; everyone knew that when she had her eyes on the prize there was nothing that could hold her back from seeing it through to the end. Lanetta hit the ground running when she arrived in Seattle and wasted no time perusing a career to support her family and bring fulfillment to her life. She decided to become a nurse and went to school at Seattle Central Community College. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and proudly began her professional journey at Swedish Hospital Broadway, working on the oncology floor.
When losing patients to sickness became too much for her to bare, Lanetta switched gears at Swedish and became a nurse scheduler. In her new role, she handled payroll and other administrative management tasks while still being able to be connected to the patients and team she had grown to know and love. Unfortunately, in 2012 Lanetta became ill with Alzheimer’s disease and was obligated to end her devoted 40-year career and retire.
Still in her battle with this devastating disease, Lanetta never lost her zeal to stay true to who she was – strong minded and strong willed. As the Alzheimer’s advanced, Lanetta remained a social butterfly, talking with everyone she encountered and soon became the honorary “nurse” in her care facility. In her mind, she was still committed to going to work daily and taking care of her patients.
Lanetta’s battle with Alzheimer never shook her faith in God and her love for Him never wavered. Although there were few memories or faces that she could recall, she would always remember to lead others and request prayer for herself and her loved ones. The Lord was often a topic of conversation, and she enjoyed her time listening to gospel music to feed her spirit while here on Earth.
On Saturday November 12, Nurse Lanetta clocked out from her final shift. Her race with us here in the flesh was finished and she sprinted to be home with her Heavenly Father. She is now resting in His arms until we rejoin with her in eternity.
Lanetta was proceeded in death by her grandmother Elizabeth Gaunt; siblings Carolyn Basurto Reginald Dixon, Charles Dixon Jr., Howard McIntosh and James McIntosh; father James Lee McIntosh and mother Beatrice Gray.
She leaves behind many beloved ones that include her daughter Rebecca Rodgers, grandson Michael Rodgers (Jennifer), granddaughters LeGea Rodgers and Kiara Thompson; great-granddaughters A’Jea Brown, Jennavie Rodgers, and Jayde Rodgers; Sisters Gildia Saunders (al), Cathy Gray and Connie Gray; Uncle Ira Lexing; Sister/best-friend Laura Pennington; Lastly a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.
