In loving memory of our ancestor, Frances Louise Roland-McKinnon; born September 8, 1933 – transitioned October 13, 2020 @ 6:15 pm Central.

Frances Louise Teresa Clara Roland-McKinnon began life on September 8, 1933 in Ensley, Alabama.  She is the daughter of George Washington Roland and Mabel Harris-Roland, Brown, Nelson.  AKA “Madea.” She is the eldest of   4 siblings, Erskin Roland (deceased), Gwendolyn Brown Roland (deceased) and Alvin Nelson.

Frances L. Roland graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Detroit, Michigan.  On June 10, 1951, shortly after graduation, began her intern studies to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and continued serving as a career LPN nurse until her retirement at age 64 from Kaiser Permanente Hospital Systems, Cleveland, Ohio.  She continued to serve thereafter as a mentor, teacher, consultant. 

In the early 1960’s, she served as a member of the medical staff alongside Dr. Wallace at the historical, only black owned, Forest City Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.  Her passion was working in the nursery and delivery department; she loved to nurture, encourage, mentor and teach youthful children.

Mrs. McKinnon was a proactive member of the civil rights movement as a proponent for social equality and equal rights for all.

Mrs. McKinnon as a devout Christian and practiced her faith as a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, where she served in many roles as a parishioner.

In 1952, Frances Louise Roland and Sam McKinnon (deceased) were married.  Their union produced 3 children, Teresa Veronica McKinnon (deceased), Larry Louis McKinnon (deceased) and Kent Thurston Christopher McKinnon; 4 grandchildren, Marcia Yolanda McKinnon, Larry Louis McKinnon II (deceased) (of Larry Louis McKinnon) Kameron D’Angelo Pearson-McKinnon, Sydney Shanta & Adrian Jamaal McKinnon (of Kent Thurston McKinnon); 7 great-grandchildren, Carlos & Megan (of Marcia Yolanda McKinnon), Bruce, Devonte, India & Tyree (of Larry Louis McKinnon II), Kaius Sebastian McKinnon (of Adrian Jamaal McKinnon); 11 great great grandchildren, Carlos Junior, Carvon, Carneeka & Cartrell (of Carlos White), Destiny, Braylin & Khaleesi (of Bruce) Nasir & Amir (of India), Ty’lea & Josiah (of Tyree).