Willajane "Willa" Roland

Willajane Roland, 95, of Lexington, KY

Willajane Roland, 95, of Lexington, Kentucky, formerly of Anderson, South Carolina, Mentor, Ohio, and Upper St Clair, Pennsylvania, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at her residence. She was called home by angels to be with her beloved husband Earl, who preceded her in death on July 31, 2018.

Willa was born October 2, 1929, in Bedford Heights, Ohio. She was the daughter of the late Parker Emery and Vietta (Bartlam) Wines of Mineral City, Ohio. Willa was a graduate of Canton South High School, Canton, Ohio, class of 1948 and attended Kent State University at Stark County, Canton, Ohio. As a young woman she attended Youth Fellowship at Dueber Methodist Church in Canton, Ohio, where she met Earl and they were married there September 2, 1951, followed by 67 years of a loving, devoted marriage, raising three children.

Willa was most proud of her time at Tri-County Technical College Library, Pendleton, SC, where she worked for 11 years. She performed librarian duties and received several certificates and awards of service and appreciation. Willa retired in 1998. Prior to relocating to South Carolina she worked in customer service at the Sears Service Center in Mentor, Ohio from 1974-1982.

Willa and Earl were long-time members of Trinity Methodist Church, Anderson, SC where they served as the church library directors for almost 20 years.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved her family and her home. She had a wonderful "fashion sense" for interior decorating and clothing. She remained a stylish dresser with her outfits perfectly coordinated. Willa was also passionate about gardening, baking sweets to share and shopping. Keeping up with her in any store was a challenge. She was small but mighty and her determined and resilient spirit will be missed.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons Mark Roland (Barbara) of Lexington, KY and Scott Roland of Central, SC; daughter April Carlson (Terry) of Smethport, PA; three grandchildren, Melissa, Philip (Mari) and Erica and two great-grandchildren, Mina and Josie, as well as many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Willa was the last living member in her family of her generation. Besides being preceded in death by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson Matthew Roland, sister Mary (Emery) Petrus (George), and brothers Thomas Emery (Florence) and John Wines (Beverly).

Willa's wishes were to be cremated, therefore there will be no burial services. A private family service will take place later this year.

Final arrangements are being made by Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Lexington, KY.

In lieu of flowers or cards, a donation to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society is greatly appreciated.