Alfreda Rollins

Alfreda Elaine King Rollins was born on January 5, 1960, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Delbert B. King, Jr. and Opal J. Scales.

Alfreda was the product of the Dallas Independent School District, graduating in 1978 from Skyline High School. She then attended the historic Bishop College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. While attending Bishop College, Alfreda met her future husband, Calvin Rollins, who would say “good morning” to Alfreda as she rushed to the science building at 8:00 a.m. and “good night” when she exited the building just before dark. They became fast friends and often hung out together. Alfreda graduated before Calvin but returned to witness Calvin receive his degree. After a year of travel and exploration, the two realized they were more than just friends. Calvin and Alfreda were married on February 28, 1987. Alfreda and Calvin remained married until his passing on February 25, 2019. This 32-year union was blessed with Calvin André Rollins, II of Brooklyn, NY, Christopher Ryan Rollins of Dallas, TX, and Angelica Elaine Rollins of Dallas, TX. Over the years, several Booker T. Washington High School students have called the Rollins house “home” and considered them their surrogate parents. Briana Morgan is like a second daughter to Alfreda and was always welcomed in the Rollins home. Other young people called the Rollins house “home” included Jordan (SoJa) Walker, Asya Fuller, Kelton Blackshear, and countless others. The Rollins house was a home that opened its doors to many for refuge.

Alfreda was a staunch supporter of the arts, including supporting her three children through their artistic expressions. She has held different positions in the Arts District; when AT&T Performing Arts Center was built in 2009, she became part of the inaugural team of volunteers and soon was hired as a part-time supervisor. Her leadership and gift of hospitality led her to be hired full-time as the Volunteer Coordinator, later joining the events team. She organized several food drives, blood drives, and community projects with her Volunteer’s Volunteer Group. She lovingly dedicated her time and talents as a member of the Council of Elders of Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s DanceAfrica. She sang with passion, danced with joy, creatively crafted costumes, and even choreographed. She was a part of the heart and soul of the Council of Elders and led the group with love and laughter. Most recently, she was the Patron Experience Manager at Dallas Summer Musicals. Many cast, crew, and other talents lovingly referred to Alfreda as “Mama” because of her kindness and care. She knew no strangers and treated the stagehands no differently than the A-list stars. Everyone was family. She worked with several other Dallas-based organizations such as Big Thought, Dallas Dance Council, Carter Blood Care, South Dallas Cultural Center, and Texas Food Bank, to name a few.

Alfreda was a lifelong member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She was active in the Chancel Choir, Christian Theatre Ministry, Greeter’s Ministry, and Truth-seeker’s Sunday School Class.

On the evening of July 29th, Alfreda died peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her children.

Alfreda leaves to cherish her memory three amazing children, two sisters, Elleanor Johnson and her husband, Bruce, and Debra Allston; one brother, Delbert B. King, III and his wife, Sharee, as well as several claimed children, God-children, long-time church family, and a large host of friends.