Obituary of Melvin Ellis Rollins

Melvin Ellis Rollins was born March 8, 1941 to Melvin T. Rollins and Louise Rollins-Gill. Each parent's subsequent spouses were Alice C. Rollins and Anderson A. Gill. Melvin entered Baltimore City Public Schools prior to the Brown v. Board of Education ruling and was taught in segregated schools until he entered high school. It was then that he had been among the earliest young men to integrate the then all male Baltimore City College High School. He graduated in 1959. Melvin began military service shortly thereafter and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas and Anchorage, Alaska before receiving an honorable discharge as Airman first class, AlC. He lived in Boston, Massachusetts briefly before returning to Baltimore. Upon returning he attended Morgan State University, previously known as Morgan State College and graduated with a degree in mathematics. A gifted teacher with an unorthodox yet effective instructional style, he taught thousands of students throughout his career and gravitated toward problem solving. No student that had been labeled as difficult nor similarly labeled group of students dissuaded him from believing they could learn. For his dedication to teaching, he received numerous awards. His determination was evident as well in fighting illnesses that he encountered later in life. He remained steadfast in accepting that life's challenges were simply that-challenges, not insurmountable obstacles. Melvin's quit wit and outgoing personality were legendary. He was many things to many people but always authentic. An avid reader, world traveler, crafts-man, and cook, he was a Renaissance man of many talents and interests. He had been dedicated member of Christ United Methodist for more than forty years and could have been depended on to fill any number of roles from committee chair person and board member to Bible study group leader to organizing meals after special services. He has been preceded in death by each parent and each step parent. He leaves to mourn his life and legacy a brother, Aaron Rollins; a sister, Vanessa Rollins; a brother-in-law, Daniel H. Harris; a nephew, Daniel J. Harris, and numerous devoted relatives and friends. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Michael Stewart and Monica Rollins for the care and love that each of them provided to Melvin.