Robert Lawrence Rollins

Robert Lawrence Rollins was born in Syracuse, New York on June 14, 1933 to his birth mother the late Betty Tisdale. He was raised by the late Reverend Anna and Theodore Rollins of Toledo, Ohio. On September 21, 2023, Robert, received his call to glory as a good and faithful servant of the Lord.

Robert graduated from Waite High School and joined the United States Army. After the completion of his service in the Army, he attended The Moody Bible Institute. He worked for Erie Army Depot and the United States Postal Service for 35 years.

Robert Rollins, Uncle Bob to many, was a member of Mays Chapel United Holy Church, currently Faith Community shortly after its founding in 1946. He is the son of the founder Reverend Mrs. Anna M. Rollins. His story is one of hardship, hurdles and hope. "This too shall pass", is a phrase near and dear to his heart and readily imparts this message of hope to all. His testimony is the basis for his love of faith, family and children.

On November 24, 1956, he and the love of his life, Shirley J. Hill were united in holy matrimony. To this union were born four wonderful children, Jeffery, Shelvia, Muriel, and James. Robert loved his family and enjoyed taking family vacations with his children. He and Shirley lived and raised their children in Toledo, Ohio.

Robert and his family were faithful members of the church. He served in his early years as a Sunday School teacher, bus driver, gardener, janitor, and was the first choir director and pianist. Bob organized the first VBS at the church that expanded to include surrounding churches. He later served as YPHA President and BCS Superintendent. Whatever his hands found to do, Bob would do it to the glory of God.

Robert began working at the district level of The United Holy Church of America, from 1960-1975. In 1976 he rose to the leadership position of YPHA president along with his dear friend C.M Corbett. In 1980-1992 Bob became the superintendent of the North Western District Bible Church School department. During his tenure, and because of the growth in attendance, the conventions moved from local churches, to colleges and university campuses and then ultimately to hotels. Bob also served as a North Western District Convocation Trustee.

Robert then began working at the general level of the United Holy Church of America, and was elected General Superintendent following greats like David Williams and C.M Corbett. While General Superintendent, he conducted the 1st Regional Youth Convention in St. Lucia, under the late Bishop Calamoore. In 1998 he hosted the largest General Youth convention since the 1974 convention in Los Angeles, California, in Orlando Florida, where the attendees filled the hotel. His final service to the United Holy church was his appointment in 2004-2017 as the General Statistician where he kept meticulous records.

Bob's service didn't stop there. In the city of Toledo, he was a part of the neighborhood block watch, served at the Toledo Rescue Mission, OYAP (Ohio Youth Advocacy Program) board member for ONYX and was also instrumental in getting the first National Bank in the urban community.

Here to celebrate his life and to carry on his legacy is his devoted wife of 66+ years, Shirley Rollins, his son Jeffery (Rochelle) Rollins of Holland Ohio. His daughter Shelvia (Michael Sr.) Hunter of Gahanna Ohio, daughter Muriel (Ronald) Fairrow, of Pickerington Ohio, and son James Rollins of Defiance Ohio; 13 grandchildren; Michael (Kerrie) Hunter, Aaron Hunter, Jerelle, Jocelyn, Jewel, and Jordan Rollins; RJ, Alexandria, and Evan Fairrow; Montgomery, Michell, Maxwell, and Jamie Montana Rollins. 3 Great grandchildren; Kendall Hunter, Radien Hicks, and Mikayla Hunter. God children; Alex Harris, Tyson Freeman and Jenel (Alan) Washington. Daughter #3 Adria (Brian) Thomas. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, and siblings; Donald Pertilla, Chester Irans, Gloria Breathwaite, Martin Irons, Theodore Pertilla Esq., Herold Tisdale and Carlyle Pertilla. Surviving siblings Wilhelmina Dey, and Milton Irons.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10am until the time of service at 11am at Faith Community United Holy Church 1201 S. Byrne Rd. Toledo. Burial will be Monday, October 2, 2023 at 10am at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.NewcomerToledo.com.