Libby Roland

Libby Milner Roland

1951-2014

Gulfport

Libby Milner Roland, on November 13, 2014, a heart of gold stopped beating and two beautiful blue eyes closed for the last time. Olivia Emeline "Libby" Milner Roland, age 63, passed away peacefully at home with her husband and children close by her side. They will miss her warm, loving arms around them.

Libby was born on January 16, 1951 in Gulfport, MS. She was the daughter of the late Olivia Emeline Willis Milner and Robert Hill Milner. Libby graduated from Gulfport High School and received a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a minor in Sociology from the University of Mississippi. She was also a Certified Municipal Official graduate from the Mississippi Municipal League.

Libby proudly served on the Gulfport City Council for nine years and fondly thought of the many City Employees as her extended family. She had a compassion for the needs of others and as a public servant, believed in service above self.

Prior to the City Council, Libby worked for Gulf Coast Business Services as the Workforce Investment Act Youth Program Manager. She was also past Executive Director of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.

Libby was very active in the community she loved. She was a member of the Rotary Club of Gulfport, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Gulfport Business Club, Gulfport Yacht Club, Historical Society of Gulfport, Women's Club of Gulfport, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, Westside Community Association, Harrison County Humane Society, Friends of the Harrison County Library, Gulfport Schools Host Mentor, Harrison County Council of Government, Mississippi Municipal League, Job Corps Community Relations Council, University of Mississippi Alumni Association, Private Industry Council, Past Board of Directors, Coast Coca-Cola Bottling Company and many others.

Libby is survived by her husband Ronald Preston "Ronnie" Roland, her three children; Lieutenant Commander Preston Roland (Jennifer) of Biloxi, Jessica Roland of Nashville, TN and Justin Roland (Laura) of Gulfport. She was especially proud of her four grandchildren; Abby Roland, Michael Roland, James Roland and Lena Grace Roland. Libby is also survived by two brothers; Bob Milner of Gulfport and John Milner (Linda) of Gulfport. Her in-laws; a loving mother-in-law, Elizabeth "Liz" Roland of Perkinston, MS, Al Roland (Beverly) of Picayune, MS, Van Roland (Deedy) of Gulfport and Jane Roland of Wiggins. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Allison Wall, MD, her nurses and staff; Dr. Graham and his staff at the Memorial Hospital Radiology Department; the nurses and staff at the Memorial Infusion Clinic; the nurses and staff on 3B; and the caring employees of Beach Pharmacy. A heartfelt thanks to Hayden Hoffmann of Notre Dame Hospice, whose care was exceptional. A special thanks to all of Libby's friends, neighbors, relatives and associates for all of the flowers, cards, food and love.

A Celebrations of Libby's life will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at First United Methodist Church in Gulfport. Visitation will be held from noon until 2:45 P.M. with the service at 3:00 P.M.

The family prefers memorial to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 or the church or charity of your choice.

BRADFORD-O'KEEFE FUNERAL HOME, 15th St., Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com