Remembering

Dr. Lane Cedric Rolling

March 17, 1964 – October 3, 2023

Dr. Lane Cedric Rolling passed away unexpectedly on October 3, 2023, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 59 years old.

In a world filled with artificiality and pretense, Dr. Rolling was one of the realest. A beacon of Black excellence, his credentials were extensive and unparalleled. He was a Doctor of Medicine, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and a former U.S. Army Captain. With specialties spanning microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, and biochemical warfare he was a force in the medical and infectious disease world.

Born in Fort Polk, Louisiana, to Edith Marie Black Rolling on March 17, 1964, he was known by those closest to him as “Ced” or “Sid.” Growing up as an “Army Brat,” he lived in many places including Virginia, Okinawa, Japan and Kaiserslautern, Germany. He eventually moved to Nevada where he was a star athlete in football, baseball and track at Valley High School in Las Vegas, Nevada; graduating in 1982.

He attended Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, first on a football scholarship and then an Army ROTC scholarship. He was the first African American to graduate with a double major in microbiology and chemistry with a minor in military science in 1986. His eldest son, Branden, was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1985. While attending Weber State, he met his future wife, Catherine Loader, with whom he had four children, Nicole, Ashley, Jordyn and Nathan. They were married on September 22, 1989, and later divorced after 23 years together.

After graduating from Weber State, Rolling was awarded a fellowship to attend graduate school at the University of Nevada - Reno, where he received a Master’s Degree of Cellular and Molecular Biology in 1988. He proudly graduated from the California School of Podiatric Medicine where he received his DPM in 1992. He completed his residency in podiatric surgery at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1993. Dr. Rolling later completed his M.D. at the University of Health Sciences Antigua.

He served on active duty in the Army Medical Service Corps for three years with the rank of captain and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he practiced medicine at Martin Army Community Hospital. He completed the following courses: Master Fitness, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Combat Casualty, Biochemical Warfare, Airborne and Pathfinder.

For two decades, he dedicated himself to the people of Peru. Affectionately known as “Dr. Chocolate,” he didn’t just provide medical care – he transformed entire communities. Establishing clinics and collaborating with indigenous leaders, he seamlessly blended Western medicine with traditional indigenous practices.

Through his non-governmental organization, the Tropical Pathology and Infectious Disease Association (TPaIDA), Dr. Rolling mentored aspiring doctors, giving them real-world experience at Peru’s hospitals. With a steadfast mission to bridge the diversity gap in medicine, he tirelessly championed inclusivity and opportunity as a professor at Weber State University, Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley University, Grand Canyon University, Philander Smith University, and Shorter College. His profound expertise and genuine compassion ensured a legacy that will echo for generations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Rolling was a force of character. He was a proud Black man, a proud father, and an even prouder grandpa.

He is survived by his five children: Branden Collinsworth, Nicole “Chris” Shirra, Ashley Rolling, Jordyn Rolling, and Nathan Rolling; three grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his life: Mila, Heath and Graham, who knew him as “Pops;” three siblings and his very best friend: his mother.

The family asks that you honor Dr. Rolling’s legacy by volunteering in your local community or making a donation to a nonprofit organization of your choice.

Remembering Beverley “Bev” Reddick-Jenkins

February 27, 1945 - October 6, 2023

Beverley “Bev” Elaine Reddick was born in Denver, Colorado, on February 27, 1945, to Walterine and Marcine Reddick; she was the oldest of three siblings.

During her childhood, her family moved often; however, she always enjoyed and challenged herself to meet all of the neighbors – some who remained her lifetime friends.

She was a “social butterfly,” with a magnetic and humorous personality that allowed her to make and keep friends anywhere she went.

She was educated in Catholic and Denver public elementary schools, then attended Denver public middle schools before graduating from Manual High School. As a Manual Thunderbolt, she served on the Manual Class of 1960-1964 Reunion Committee and the Manual Fun Committee for 30plus years. In 2017, she was the reunion keynote speaker. She was honored to be a Manualite.

After graduating from Manual High School, ReddickJenkins attended the University of Colorado and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology/sociology from Touro University in New York City. She continued her quest for knowledge and attended graduate school at City College of New York. She also completed a master’s degree in business management/human resources development from Webster University. After that journey, she enrolled at Colorado State University where she earned Ph.D. credits.

Reddick-Jenkins believed in the Lord and was initially baptized at Annunciation Catholic Church. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior again in the late 1980’s at New Hope Baptist Church, where she and her family worshiped. As a devout Christian, she served in many ministries at New Hope Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, and assisted in the Food Ministry, Health Ministry, and weekly Bible Study.

She truly lived her life by the hymnal words, “If I can help somebody as I travel along the way...If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, then my living would not be in vain.” One of her favorite scriptures was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Reddick-Jenkins met and fell in love with Sylvester Jenkins, whom she affectionately called “Sy.” They married on August 8, 1988. She loved her family and always wanted the best for her children: daughter, Peggy “Darjshai,” and son, Shar.

Her career spanned many areas throughout her life; she worked in non-profit, educational, and government programs. The primary emphasis of her career was providing educational services, information, referrals and supportive services to Black women, young adults, low income and elderly populations. She was affiliated with many organizations and held positions with all of them.

In 1993, Reddick-Jenkins was diagnosed with cancer. She used that situation to “turn a lemon into lemonade,” and established a breast cancer support resource for African American breast cancer survivors. Spearheaded with her sorority, the first two African American Breast Cancer Conferences were held in Denver. She expanded her advocacy by conducting presentations locally and nationally, encouraging screening and education on the significance of early detection and women’s health topics.

Along with her work toward breast cancer awareness, she was a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Denver Alumnae Chapter,

Order of Eastern Stars, Rocky Mountain RV Rollers, “Because We Can” Bunch, Tripoley group, and Bid Whist groups. She was also a civil and community rights advocate and volunteer, a member of the NAACP and the Black Panthers, a peer volunteer and a spokesperson for The American Cancer Society.

In addition to being a member of numerous organizations, Reddick-Jenkins participated in career and volunteer efforts for Community College of Denver, AARP, Denver Regional Council of Government, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, where she retired in 2008.

She loved life and delighted in initiating and organizing gatherings and celebrations for family and friends. She traveled to many locations throughout the United States, as well as the Caribbean Islands and Bermuda. She cherished R&B, “old school,” gospel and jazz music, constantly dancing and winning dance contests. She was a woman of many hats and facets. Her warm smile, loving embrace and life-of-the-party personality will be missed.

Reddick-Jenkins is preceded in death by her father, Walterine Doyle; mother, Marcine Reddick; sister, Debbora Reddick; brother, Michael Reddick; and stepdaughter, Synetta Jenkins. She leaves behind her husband, Sylvester “Sy” Jenkins; daughter, Peggy “Darjshai” Jordan; son, Shar Jenkins; sister, Frances Rosborough; ten granddaughters: Marlainna, Marshaunna, Marianna, Marquisa, Jadyn, Anessa, Laynah, Briah, Allysah and Tia; one grandson, LaShariel Andre; six greatgranddaughters; four greatgrandsons; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and special friends..