On Sunday morning, December 11, 2022, at 12:39 a.m., on Angels' wings you were taken, but in our hearts, you will stay.  In God's light you will rest until we meet again someday.

Jerome "Jerry" Leonard Rollins, Sr., entered this world on January 16, 1932. He was born in Washington, DC, to the late Thurman Rollins and Pearl Bowie. Jerry was the oldest of four children having two brothers who are deceased:   Joseph Bowie and Frank Bowie (Joyce/deceased).

Growing up, he loved baseball and would sneak into Griffith Stadium, which is now the site of Howard University Hospital, to watch the Washington Senators play teams like the Minnesota Twins.

Jerome started his Christian education at the Third Baptist Church in Washington, DC.  He was baptized and became a member of the Third Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Bullock.

Jerry has always been an adventurous and productive guy and one of his first jobs was serving ice cream at Gifford Ice Cream when he was a teenager, thus developing a lifelong penchant for ice cream. He also loved the job of being big brother. It was a role he took very seriously.

Jerome attended Armstrong High School and graduated from there in 1949. He then attended historically Black Fayetteville State College, now Fayetteville State University, in Fayetteville, NC, where he played football.

In 1953, Jerome married Sarah Elizabeth Gadson. Their union produced a daughter, Deborah, and a son, Jerome Jr.

After leaving Fayetteville State College, Jerome joined the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in 1954 as one of its first African American police officers. Jerome took a leave of absence from MPD to join the U.S. Army and served as a Military Police Officer in Hawaii for several years. Upon returning to MPD, he earned his bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Criminology from American University. Jerry retired from the Metropolitan Police Department after obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. Before retiring, Sergeant Rollins taught at the Police Academy and had the nick name "Mr. Constitution."

After 32 years of devoted service, he began a new career as Chief of Security for the Washington Convention Center, where he secured the safety of Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush, and Ronald Reagan.

On August 17, 1991, Jerome married Claudia Beverly and spent 31 years in wedded bliss. They traveled the world but stayed grounded in the Mid-Atlantic area among family and friends. They made a home in Annapolis, Maryland and attended Mt. Olive African AME Church. They both joined as watch care members after consulting the OMZBC then pastor, the late Reverend Christopher Lee. Jerry loves to sing, and he was a member of the men's choir at Mt. Olive, where he used to lead his favorite song, "I am Redeemed."

After Jerry retired again, he and Claudia moved to Glen Allen, VA. In Glen Allen, Jerome remained active in a variety of pursuits, including campaigning on behalf of Barack Obama. Jerome knocked on doors on President Obama's behalf and had the honor of meeting him.

Upon moving to Virginia, Jerome was still serving God and joined his wife's home church, Oxford Mt. Zion Baptist Church (OMZBC) under the leadership of Reverend, now Bishop Duane T. Fields Sr.  For a few years, he has been unable to attend the services in person but was active in joining the services online.

In later years, Jerome became a devoted caregiver to his father-in-law, Mr. Reginald A. Beverly, until his death in 2017.

Jerome is survived by his loving and attentive wife Claudia; his son, Jerome, Jr. (Charletta); his daughter, Deborah; his "baby" brother, Leonard (Joyce); and his sisters-in-law, Katrina Gill (Edward) and Priscilla Villines (Johnnie/deceased); brother-in-law Russell Bennett (Senora/deceased). He also leaves four godchildren; Josie Mitchell, Robin Brabham, Korey Williams, and Lauren Jordan.  Cherishing his memory, Jerome also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Special thanks to Priscilla for staying by Jerry's bedside for three nights until he was united with God, caregivers Angela Howard and James Glass, Edward and Katrina for continued support and to Amedsys Hospice.

Visitation: Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 11 AM- 12 Noon at Oxford Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 25215 Zion Rd, Ruther Glen, VA 22546

A Celebration of Life Service : Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 12 Noon, Oxford Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 25215 Zion Rd, Ruther Glen, VA 22546

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.  Bishop Duane Fields, Sr. will be delivering  the eulogy.

Due to COVID-19  a mask or face covering will be required.

Livestreaming will be available on C W Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.