Rosalyn Sue Cordell

"Let us never consider ourselves finished nurses. We must be learning all of our lives." -Florence Nightingale. Rosalyn Sue Cordell passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana after her battle with Parkinson's. She was born on November 23, 1944 in Bauxite, Arkansas to Herbert William and Dorothy Dunmire Cordell; she enjoyed saying that she was brought by the turkey, but not by the stork!

She graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1962 and from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1966. She married Dexter Leake Rollins of Dallas and moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1969. Rosalyn made a gracious home for their two sons, serving as Cub Scout den mother, part time substitute teacher, and realtor.

Her calling to healthcare ultimately led her back to her studies, graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then embarked on a fulfilling career in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and at Woman's Hospital. Known affectionately as "Hurricane Roz," her strength and caring nature were memorable. Beyond her work in the medical profession, Rosalyn's creative outlet was through her catering company, "Cakes by Roz," known for her specialty rum cake.

Rosalyn served in the Junior League of Baton Rouge, on the Vestry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and as a Lay Eucharistic Minister at St. James Episcopal Church. She loved to entertain at her home, and she traveled widely. She found immense joy in playing tennis at Bocage Racquet Club and in learning to scuba dive.

Rosalyn is survived by her sisters Myrlene Tedford (Robert) and Karen Cordell, both of Benton, Arkansas; her brother Herbert William Cordell (Becca) of Lousiville, Colorado; her son David Cordell Rollins (Julie) of Baton Rouge; her son Michael Dexter Rollins of Montreal, Canada; her granddaughters Sophie Rae Loubiere Rollins and Lillian Steele Rollins of Baton Rouge; her granddaughter Lila Rose Rollins of Westwood, Kansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews, Robin Tedford Perry (Roger), Charleen Tedford Francis (Michael), Mark Rollins Olson (Tisha), Will Cordell, and Alex Cordell (Linsey).

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Carmen Darensbourg, R.N., and Kristy Mays, Yorcha Leatherman, and Jeannette Ruffin, the gentlest and most patient caregivers. They also wish to express deep gratitude to the residents and staff of the Williamsburg Senior Living Community for their support over the past years.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Friday, August 22, 2025 at St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, followed by a service and reception at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bauxite Historical Association and Museum: 6707 Benton St., Bauxite, AR 72011.