Frances Louise (Roland) McKinnon

Frances Louise Teresa Klara Roland-McKinnon was the first child born on September 8, 1933 in Ensley, Alabama to the late George Washington Roland and Mable Harris Roland Brown Nelson.  She departed this life on October 13, 2020 at her residence in Decatur, Alabama. She had three siblings, Erskin Roland, Gwendolyn Roland and Alvin Nelson.

In 1940, she relocated to Detroit, Michigan and later graduated from Sacred Heart High School on June 10, 1951. Shortly after graduation she began her interim studies to become a licensed practical nurse. In  early 1960,  she served as a member of the medical staff alongside Dr. Wallace at the historical only Black owned Forrest City Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Her passion was working in the nursery and delivery departments. She then continued serving as a career LPN and entered into her retirement at age 64 from Kaiser Permanente Hospital Systems.   

She united in holy matrimony in 1952 to the late Sam McKinnon and to this union three children were born, Kent, Larry and Terresa McKinnon. She loved to nurture, encourage, mentor and teach young children. In 2017, she moved to Decatur, Alabama to live with her son Kent.

She was a devout Christian that practiced her faith as a member of Saint Aloysius Catholic Church where she served in many capacities as a parishioner.

Mrs. McKinnon was a proactive member of the Civil Rights Movement as a proponent for social equality and equal rights for all.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, parents; children, Larry and Teresa McKinnon; grandson, Larry McKinnon II; and siblings, Erskin and Gwendolyn Roland;

Mrs. Roland-McKinnon leaves to cherish her memory: son, Kent McKinnon of Decatur; five grandchildren, Marcia Yolanda McKinnon, Larry Louis McKinnon, Kameron D’Angelo Pearson-McKinnon, Adrian Jamaal McKinnon and Sydney Shanta McKinnon; seven great-grandchildren, Carlos, Megan, Bruce, Devonte, India, Tyree and Kaius Sebastian: 11 great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Catholic Mass will be held in her remembrance on the morning of Friday, October 23, 2020 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 10932 St. Clair Avenue in Cleveland, OH with Calhoun Funeral Home directing. Public viewing will be Monday from 12:45 p. m. till 3:00 p.m. at Reynolds Funeral Home.

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