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https://www.flipsnack.com/alcbf/edna-roland/full-view.html https://vimeo.com/event/4181075 Obituary Edna Irene “Chunk” Roland a beloved and cherished woman, was born per midwife on July 3, 1956, in St. John Colony to Jo Irene Walker Roland and Preston Roland Jr. In May 2021, Edna was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a rare cancerous disease that affects many African Americans. She fought a three-year battle with cancer but unfortunately, she lost this battle on March 5th,2024. In her early life she was raised in Dale, TX where her family resided. This large family was full of love, she was the sixth child of nine siblings. In her adolescent years she relocated with her mother and siblings to Lockhart, TX. Edna attended Lockhart High School, where she made history as the First Black Head Cheerleader, showcasing her leadership skills and uplifting spirit. Edna was a softball player in Lockhart and Austin, TX as well as a competitor in the Miss Lockhart Junior Miss Beauty Pageant. Her involvement in the Black Seniors Association exemplified her dedication to the community and advocacy. This dedication extended to her beloved birthplace where she later worked to preserve the rich history of St. John Colony by serving on the Juneteenth Committee as Informational Historian Speaker, which showcased her vibrant spirit and commitment to her celebrating culture and heritage. After graduating from Lockhart High School in 1976, Edna pursued further education at Nixon Clay Business College in Austin, TX laying the foundation for a successful career. Upon finishing, she moved to Austin where she dedicated herself to being a Case Review Specialist at Disability Determination Services (DDS) formally known as Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for 36 years, demonstrating her dedication and professionalism in her work. She held herself at a high standard with class, pride, and dignity. Even after retiring, her passion for her profession led her to return as a Call Center Claimant for an additional four years, officially concluding her profession at DARS/DDS at 40 years. She loved helping people and the people she worked with, her coworkers were like her second family. She left an incredible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. Edna’s faith in Christ was the source of all her strength throughout her journey on this Earth and that was evident based on how she constantly served the Lord. She attended Nineteenth Street Baptist Church under the leadership of her cousin, Rev. Walker Sr. when she first moved to Austin. She later joined Agape and her longstanding membership at Agape Christian Ministries. Her commitment to her beliefs extended to her role as a member of Heroines of Jericho: Venus Armbrister Court #17, where she served diligently as Outer Gatekeeper until her passing. She will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Edna always valued family and friends over everything. She was very generous to anyone in need no matter what. She loved to cook, bake, and protect her household. In her twenties she gave birth to her first daughter Anisha Caldwell. She was a proud single mother who worked hard and went out of her way to provide for her child. While working and providing for her firstborn she met and later married McKinley Cyphers. Not so long after she had Twin Daughters, Darielle and Raquelle Cyphers. She was a devoted mother. To know her is to know that her girls were her world. Edna showed her love unconditionally, not just to her girls, but to her entire extended family and friends. She enjoyed showing her love through baking, touching the hearts and kitchens of many. She made many baked treats but her prized possession was her world-famous buttermilk pie and peace cobbler which was a favorite for anyone who had the opportunity to try. Edna Irene Roland was a beacon of light in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. With a smile that could light up a room and a heart overflowing with love, she touched countless hearts and left an enduring legacy of kindness, faith, and compassion. Edna would always find a way to be involved with her children's activities from fundraising, serving on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and serving as the Historical Tour Guide on the St. John Colony Committee. She knew how to turn lemons into lemonade. She was full of life and loved to travel with her daughters. Whether it was for her daughter’s theater trips, or league volleyball trips. She raised money to support her daughters on the following trips, including New York, Carnival Cruise, to Cozumel, Progresso, MX, Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, Indianapolis, and many more. Even though she was an extraordinary baker and cook, her talents didn't stop there. Whether it was the performing arts or sports, Edna was very supportive and found ways to make things happen. She was also a big sports fan. Edna was known for her cheerleading spirit. She was a fan of many sports whether it was volleyball, basketball, track, cheer, and football. She would support her daughters and family at their games. Her favorite football teams were University of Texas, Dallas Cowboys, and of course her alma mater Lockhart High School. She was a proud Lockhart Lion. Edna was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Wallace Ray Swan and Kennedy Clay Roland. Edna leaves behind to cherish her memories: Her husband, McKinley Cyphers, daughters: Anisha Caldwell, Darielle and Raquelle Cyphers, bonus children: Marticia Lee, Steven Crenshaw (Leigh), and Christopher Cyphers; her very beloved grand-dog Layla of Austin; three brothers: Harold Dean Roland, Clay Douglas Roland and James Polk Roland, all of Dale; three sisters: Margie Thompson, of San Antonio, Margaret Delores Pansy (Wallace), and Yvette Ganice Manning (Carey), of Lockhart as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends. May she rest in eternal peace, her spirit forever guiding and inspiring those she loved.

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Edna Irene Roland

July 3, 1956 - March 5, 2024