Helen Roland

Helen Jean Roland, long life resident of Ponca City, passed away Monday, December 28th, 2020, at Tulsa Hillcrest Medical Center. She was 86 years of age.

The funeral service, will be held at 10:00 AM at Grace Memorial Chapel Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 with the Rev. Jonathan Roland. Pastor of New Testament Christian Center in Katy, TX presiding. The burial will immediately follow at Odd Fellows cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Daytime visitation will be at the Funeral Home from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday January 5th, 2021.

Helen was born in Hennepin, Oklahoma on July 13, 1934 to Raymond and Mae Bell Franklin-Prince.

She moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma and attended Attucks School. Helen later met and married Rev. Isaiah Roland and from that union eight children were born.  The children were Alton, Kenneth, Rhobbie, Angela, Kevin, Jonathan, Isaac and Pauletta. Helen was very proud of the fact she birthed all of her children naturally.

In 1964, Helen became the “First Lady” of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Newkirk, Oklahoma. She began her ministry and remained a faithful member of the Church until the Lord whispered her home. Sharing the gospel and frequently providing testimony was a great pleasure for Helen.  Her ministerial work covered areas in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.  Even while at the dialysis clinic receiving care, she would never pass-up the opportunity to share the good news with others.

Helen enjoyed reading her Bible in the early hours of the morning while sitting in her patio swing.  She loved to listen to the birds singing while smelling the fragrance of her roses, Rose-of-Sharon and other flowers she had planted in her large, flower garden.  Her love of gardening resulted in her having a paradise of various flowers that she grew in her front and back yards.  She also loved to go fishing and often drove around town in search of a nice shady spot where she could “drop her line.” Helen also loved cooking and baking.  Her roasts were always tender and seasoned to perfection, potatoes fluffy and buttery and biscuits one could never get enough of!  Helen would often make everyone’s very favorite - peach cobbler that would (as some would say), “….make ya’ slap ya’ Momma!” Without exception, Thanksgiving dinner was always held at her home. The tables were always beautifully set, loaded with food and never was a person at the table to be considered a “stranger.”  During all Thanksgiving gatherings, the family would first offer praise, worship, testimony and prayer before the feast began.  “Mother’s gift” to all who met her was one of giving and that of hospitality.

Helen loved big hats, a classy high-heel, bright colors and fragrant perfumes.

Helen worked for many years in private homes while often raising the children who resided in them.  Her positive influence on the children resulted in them as adults, continuing to have a relationship with her as well as their own children to this day!

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Isaiah Roland, two sons and eleven siblings. She is survived by sons Alton Roland, Jonathan (Ethel) Roland and Isaac Roland. Surviving daughters are Rhobbie (Alfonzo) Dorsey, Angela Bobb and Pauletta (Benjamin) Machebe.  Surviving siblings are sisters, Vergie (James) Wade, Sharon Herring and brothers Ronnie (Savannah) Prince and Raymond Prince, Jr.  She leaves a large host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loved ones including COCO her great grandson's dog.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:23