Sheryl Clark Rollins Esq

“The Struggle is Not Over” - A Footsoldier for Change; Sheryl Leneice Clark Rollins, Esq., Longtime Leader in East Tennessee Dies

Sheryl Leneice Clark Rollins, Esq., born November 11, 1949, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee departed this life on February 14, 2019, at University of Tennessee Medical Center, after a lengthy illness.  Although, her illness limited her ability to get out and travel, she continued to help others from the comfort of her own living room and through the use of technology and other sources. Her quest to fight for the rights of others has left an indelible mark on this community.  Mrs. Rollins’ legacy will forever be known as Foot soldier fighter for change, a strong voice for those who could not speak for themselves and a steadfast determined leader standing up for those who were treated unfairly.  She was the voice of the “reason”. 

Sheryl Leneice Clark Rollins holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she excelled academically by graduating Magna Cum Laude, (High Honors).  She earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee, School of Law, 1992. She attended the Institute of International and Comparative Law, at Oxford University, in Oxford, England, 1991. She was one of 50 scholars who accepted an invitation to participate in Harvard University’s Symposium on W.E.B. Dubois, at the Sorbonne University, in Paris, France. She was a Mellow Fellows in Public Interest Law and Patricia Roberts Harris Fellows. 

Mrs. Rollins was married to the late Avon Rollins, Sr., for over 43 years.   She is preceded in dead by her husband, Avon Rollins, Sr., mother, Patricia Clark Wright, brother, Kenneth Wayne Wright, special aunt, Julia Luvenia Yette Rhineheart and granddaughter, Erica Nicole Rollins. She is survived by her children, son, Avon (Elizabeth Jean) Rollins, Jr; daughter Avondria Rollins; Family from the Greenville Community and  grandchildren: Avon William Rollins, III, and Nkosi Jevon Rollins, Giavonni Rollins-Andrews, Amariana Rollins-Steele and Glen Davis and DaQuan Davis; great grand-children: Micayah Rollins, Micah Rollins, Micaiah Rollins, Jaceyion Rollins, Jayde Rollins, Jacqueline Rollins, Avon William Rollins, IV, Jevon King Rollins, Alani Rollins, Lael Davis and Kamani Casey; godmother, Andrenia Manning and goddaughters Angela Sparkman, Jessica Lomax Bowers, Jennifer Lomax Garrett  and a host of other family and special friends.

Her life of serving included, being elected as President of the Knoxville Branch of the NAACP; former member of the following: Board of Trustee, Knox County Public Library; Personnel Committee, Knox County 911; Knoxville Museum of Art; and the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. 

The family will receive friends Friday, February 22, 2019, 11:00 am – 12 noon, at Overcoming Believers, 211 Harriet Tubman Dr., Knoxville, Tennessee. A home going celebration will follow; the Reverend Dr. Cleo Brooks will be officiating and Reverend Dr. Charles Darden, Eulogist. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s, Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony be held at the service. Mrs. Rollins will be laid to rest at Mount Olive Cemetery 2500 Maryville, Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee, with a white dove release.Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfunerahome1962.com. 

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