Elnora Roland was born in Morgan City, Mississippi to the late China and Tommie Walker on Saturday, June 20, 1925. Born of modest means, she left school at an early age to work the fields full-time to help support the family.

In 1962 Elnora Roland, with a family of her own, moved to Lansing, Michigan. She became employed by the Inn America Hotel as a housekeeper. A hard worker, it wasn't long before Elnora was promoted to Supervisor. She remained at the hotel until a back injury, as the result of a fall, made it necessary for her to leave that position.

"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God" Romans 4:20. When asked what sustained her, without hesitation, Elnora credits her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and her faith and love for the Lord never wavered. After arriving in Lansing, Elnora united with Galilee Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles Tolbert. She remained with Galilee until she was led to move her membership to Shiloah Missionary Baptist Church where she was an active member for as long as she was able.

Elnora was a tireless member and leader in the Order of the Eastern Star. She valued her work with the Stars, but more important to her was the countless lives she touched in her capacity as caregiver. Always supportive and encouraging, always wise and kind. Her home was where one could always find love, warmth, solace, shelter, and you never left hungry. Her unconditional love of people transcended boundaries, cultures, and skin colors. She was known as the neighborhood gramma meting out equal doses of love and discipline.

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, surrounded by family, the 98-year-old Matriarch of a six-generational family, departed this world to enter eternal life. Elnora lived a life that could clearly mirror with Paul, the Apostle's statement in Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Elnora Roland was predeceased by: her parents; son, Willie Hammond; daughter, Tommie Chester; son-in-law, Curtis Chester; grandsons, Willie Thomas, Milton Chester and Myrun Chester; and all her siblings.

Left to cherish her wonderful memories are: daughters, Mary Alice Roland, Martha Walker Thomas (Neil Thomas), Mary Louise Walker; granddaughters, Regina Brock, Elnora Roland, Vanessha Walker, LaWonna (Carlo Johnson) Johnson; grandsons, Robert Roland, Mitchell Roland, Randy Roland, Terry Roland, Frankie Roland, Devon Chester, Curtis Jr. Chester, Markey Walker, Clarence Walker, Mark Chandler, Myrun Chandler; a host of great, great greats, great great greats, and great, great, great, great  grandchildren; nieces and nephews; God-grandson, Charles McCants; and very special friend, Ms.  Mary Shaw.

Arrangements for Ms. Roland are as follows: