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Obituary For Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr.
Celebration of Life Service for Dr. George E. Rolle Sr. will be Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 1:00PM; Shaw Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 775 Hurt Road SW Smyrna, GA 30082. Reverend Eldren D. Morrison, Eulogist.
A public viewing will be Friday, February 10, 2023 from 4:00-8:00PM at Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel. Alpha Phi Alpha Omega Service will begin at 7:00PM in our chapel.
George Elliston Rolle, Sr., born January 9, 1940 in Over-Town Miami, Florida, was the second of five (5) children to the late Ruth Higgs Parlins and Frederick Stanley Rolle. He received his early education in Miami, Florida and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1957. After graduating, he attended Knoxville College, in Knoxville, TN for one year; Miami Dade Jr. College, where he graduated in 1963 with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. In 1963, he further integrated the University of Miami, Miami, FL and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and in 1968 with a Master of Arts in Education. He continued his academic pursuits at Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, where he graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling and Educational Psychology in 1975.
George spent his life as a faithful servant of Christ where he regularly attended and faithfully served in the Episcopal, United Methodist, and African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches.
He lived as a student, teacher, mentor, and counselor, and taught for over two decades at the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA in the psychology department and retired as Professor Emeritus of Counseling and Education Psychology and Assistant to the Dean of Education. He also worked for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Georgia State University, Tulane University, and Miami Dade County Schools.
He was a proud founding member and brother of the Rho Pi Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and was active in the mission and pursuit of providing service and advocacy for the community.
During his lifetime, he truly overcame the odds, living through circumstances that many could never imagine, enduring hardships, challenges, and fighting battles, so that others wouldn’t have to. He broke barriers, blazed trails, and found ways to fight oppression, injustice and inequality. He worked tirelessly in the field of academia, always learning, while teaching, advocating for, and counseling those, who could then in turn help others.
George transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, February 2, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory, his five “legacies”: George E. Rolle, Jr. (Trish Mason), Deborah Rolle-Mathis (Eddie Mathis), Darian Rolle (Desiree Robinson), Marcellus Rolle (Angela Oncken-Rolle), and Thaddeus Rolle (Erin Rolle). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brian Rolle, Jared Rolle, LaKia Mathis-Hill (Travis Hill), LaKeisha Mathis-Day (Ryan Day), Eddie Mathis Jr., Nadia Rolle, and Eloise Hartman Rolle, and eleven great-grandchildren; his sisters Sabrina Johnson-White (late brother-in-law, Irving White), Debra Johnson, his brother, Ernest Aubrey Johnson, and Marthel Parlins, widow of his late brother Walter Parlins; a large supportive family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and his life-long friend/“brother from another mother” -- Arthur Demeritt. George shared his time, love, and life with the late Marie Louise Payne Rolle, Dr. Addie Shopshire-Rolle, and Ms. Pat Callis.
For those not able to attend in person on Saturday, February 11, 2023, the Celebration of Life service can be viewed online here: https://shawtemple.org/watch-live
In memory of Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr., donations to some of his favorite organizations can be made here: https://everloved.com/life-of/dr-george-rolle-sr/donate/?flow=201
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Celestial Love was sent for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 10, 2023
Calming Comfort Bouquet was sent for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 10, 2023
JoAnn P Weatheroy sent Sweet Moments for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 10, 2023
With deepest sympathy Garry & JoAnn Weatheroy, Virginia Beach, VA
Isabel Bauer Ventresca sent Elegance Funeral Wreath for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 09, 2023
Dear Marcellus, We are very sorry for the sudden loss of your father. Please accept our condolences. Sincerely, The Embassy of Switzerland
Stafford Cassell sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 09, 2023
Dear Rolle Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless, Stafford & Katrina Cassell
Kristina Oncken-Cortez sent Splendid Memories Bouquet for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 09, 2023
Let the memories of your fathers life provide you with the comfort you need during this challenging time.
Love,
Mark, Kristina, Madeleine, and Charlotte Cortez
Dreams From the Heart Bouquet was sent for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 08, 2023
Dolly Deans sent Yellow Tribute Standing Spray for Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. - February 08, 2023
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing he was a special part of a well-lived life. From the Lamberts's Family.
Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. and I were married for 30 years. During that marriage, we were blessed with two wonderful sons--Marcellus and Thaddeus. For a very long time, our home was filled with love and happiness. He was a good father. My sons will miss their "Pop." He had many professional accomplishments which will live on in the lives of those whom he touched. George and I had found our peace and I will miss him. May his soul rest in the joy of the Lord. ~~Dr. Addie Shopshire-Rolle
Dr. George E. Rolle, Sr. and I were married for 30 years. During that marriage, we were blessed with two wonderful sons--Marcellus and Thaddeus. For a very long time, our home was filled with love and happiness. He was a good father. My sons will miss their "Pop." He had many professional accomplishments which will live on in the lives of those whom he touched. George and I had found our peace and I will miss him. May he soul rest in the joy of the Lord. ~~Dr. Addie Shopshire-Rolle
Sending sincere condolences, you lived an awesome life, take your wings and rest in peace. You will be missed! ❤️🙏🏽 ❤️ Love Gary & Sandra Dixon
From Tamara and Darryl Johnson The young man that we met on a his first date with Pat Callis so many years ago was a gentle man with a giving spirit and heart. His down to earth nature and great sense of humor was a complete joy to be around. George brought pleasure, and happiness to so many. We're going to miss our friend George Rolle, Sr.
The young man that we met on a his first date with Pat Callis so many years ago was a gentle man with a giving spirit and heart. His down to earth nature and great sense of humor was a complete joy to be around. George brought pleasure, and happiness to so many. We're going to miss our friend George Rolle, Sr.
From "The Queens of Hearts" The Queens has the honor and the privilege of meeting Mr. George through his beloved constant companion, Pat Callis. Mr. George was an integrity filled gentleman, who possessed a wealth of knowledge. The "Queens of Hearts" interacted with Mr. George personally and very often through his beloved mate, Pat Callis. The interactions were always informative and full of humor. Mr. George was also an active listener, full of knowledge and great suggestions. The Queens will truly miss Mr. George and are grateful to have known him. "The Queens of Heart"
Sending sympathy and love to the Rolle family. George was a good and fun brother and we will hold many good memories. "Before us even as behind, God is and all is well." Minnie Shopshire Taylor and family
We met George through our friend Pat Callis and oh what a great friendship begun. George would get a kick out of commenting on our conversations or laughing at my remarks which he enjoyed. Oh I'm truly gonna miss Dr. George Rolle Sr. May god bless you family and we extend our deepest condolences. Garry and JoAnn Weatheroy, VA Beach, VA
I met Mr. George through my second mom and his companion, Pat Callis several years ago. I was enamored by his kindness and his consummated intelligence. He was the epitome of a distinguished gentleman. I was instantly connected to him and drew admiration, especially after learning we were both members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I was privileged and honored to be invited to his 80th Birthday Celebration, where I was among his closest family and friends. I was so astonished by all the amazing things I learned about Mr. George- All his accomplishments- How he is was a trailblazer- a part of History- a community activist for education- and so many other things, but most of all how he was so loved and admired by his family, friends, and colleagues - How he sowed into each other their lives not only in words, but in his indelible actions over his lifetime. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know him and to be touched by his greatness that now will be his everlasting legacy. Mr. George is the motto of our fraternity: "First of all, Servants of all -We shall transcend all"... O6, God's good and faithful servant, 06.......
Ralph Stewart, Jr "Stew" Gamma Chapter/Beta Nu Lamda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
From Nina and family in Kissimmee Florida We are going to miss you cousin George so glad we got a chance to meet you.....take your rest cousin Love your aunt Agnes grandkids
From Nina and family in Kissimmee Florida We are going to miss you cousin George so glad we got a chance to meet you.....take your rest cousin Love your aunt Agnes grandkids
George was my first mentor as a new professor. He was always willing to listen, offer support and friendship. May he rest in Eternal Peace. Dr. Nancy Mims
George was one of my favorite colleagues in the College of Education at UWG, and I occasionally communicated with him in retirement. His presence and voice go way beyond UWG.
Dr. Rolle was the coolest neighbor. He always had a bright smile and encouraging word. He was truly a Black history legend. I will miss seeing him in the neighborhood. Truly, Matlyn Redd
George was truly a wonderful person who is loved by many. He was a faithful member of our Tuesday Morning Senior Bowling League. He will certainly be missed by us, his bowling family. Rick and Carmelita Brown and the other bowlers offer condolences and prayers for his family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
