Dr. Roland Anthony Pattillo

Roland Anthony Pattillo was born in DeQuincy, Louisiana to James E. Pattillo and Rhena Shaw Pattillo. He was their fifth child, with siblings James, Bertram, Ulric and sister Geraldine, who all preceded him in death. His baby sister, Carolyn Davis resides in Michigan. Roland was proud to be a "cradle Catholic" blessed with Holy Baptism as a baby. He served for years as an Altar Boy, in other youth programs and vacation Bible school. And, in college he was elected to attend the funeral of (Saint) Katharine Drexel, the patron saint and benefactor for many African American and Native American parochial schools. He cherished the fact that he had attended the funeral of a Saint. In Beaumont, Texas, Roland attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, to which life-time friends still return for class reunions, including Charles and Irma Anderson of San Antonio. A toy doctor's bag, at Christmas, with candy pills, a plastic stethoscope and needles, triggered his interest in medicine. As an undergraduate, he attended Xavier University in New Orleans, and studied Chemistry under Professor Paytash, who encouraged his brilliance and interest by sharing exciting developments in medicine, including the ground-breaking discovery at the Johns Hopkins Medical School, where Dr George Gey showed the invention of the roller-tube process that kept human cells alive, indefinitely. Dr. Gey announced that the cells were named HeLa. Pattillo went on to St Louis University Medical School in Missouri, with a full scholarship. He did his Residency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the old Marquette University Medical School, the precursor to the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he served for 32 years. He was a prolific researcher, author, lecturer, always learning, while growing new cell models. He delivered hundreds of babies and helped thousands of women, while traveling domestically and internationally, sharing cancer knowledge, networks and contacts that would better the lives of families. In true Catholic tradition, Dr. Pattillo longed to do something for Henrietta Lacks and her family who had been devastated by the rapidity of cancer growth and her death at the age of 31 years, with five beautiful children and a husband surviving her. He had learned HeLa was from an African American woman and was challenged as physician, advocate, clinician and a strong Catholic Christian to share the truths. When he met some of the Henrietta Lacks' family he committed to helping them. People all over the world know of Henrietta today and benefit from the many medical advancements directly associated with her cells. Dr. Pattillo remained active with lectures, Zoom meetings, and different Boards associated with the security of the Lacks family throughout his illness. His message throughout life was "Do no harm," part of the Hippocratic Oath that doctors pledge. That also describes Roland A. Pattillo's life, his vision for the future, and his undying desire for all. He loved his St George Church family; and his Cursillo family that has stayed connected spiritually for over twenty years. He loved working the Hospitality Committee and Welcomed visitors, as well. He will be sorely missed by his beloved wife, Patricia O'Flynn Pattillo, his children, Catherine Pattillo (David Jefferson); Patrick Pattillo; Sheri Johnson; Mary Pattillo; bonus son, Todd 'Speech' Thomas (Yolanda); son, the late Michael Pattillo preceded him in death, as did Dr. Terence N. Thomas and Bright Boateng. Grandchildren, Daniel (Rachel); Carolos Arriaga (Vicki); Camille and David Michael Jefferson: Van III and Benjamin Johnson; Jahi and Zoe Rene Thomas and great-grandson, little Daniel Thiago Pattillo. He is cherished by sister-in-laws, Liza Pattillo, Loretta Meadows and Marcia Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, colleagues and the St. George family, especially Father Stephen Lyness; Father Henry Atem; Cathy and Fred Rook; Lois Jensen, Ann and Sal Messina; Elaine and Earl Behrens; Robert Himes, Michelle and Jim Gildemeyer, and Sarah and Frank Clark, who continuously supported Dr. Pattillo in every way they could. The family acknowledges with deep appreciation Gentiva Hospice Service and their staff, as well as nurse assistants Sheronda Suitt; Kim Mc Elreath and assistants Beverly Kern, Soderia Rivera, and Charlotte Jones. We graciously thank Morehouse School of Medicine President and Dean, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Roland Matthews, who generously helped us navigate the gravity of this moment. Members of the Lacks family will be present and the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group from Baltimore, Maryland join us to celebrate Dr. Pattillo's life; and the Pattillo Family is humbled by your prayers and kindnesses. We sincerely thank each of you. The memorial mass is Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. George Catholic Church, Father Stephen Lyness, Presiding Pastor, 771 Roscoe Rd, Newnan, GA 30263, Father Henry Atem, immediate past pastor. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. Interment will follow at a later date at the St. John Cemetery of Collinsville, Illinois. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Dr. Roland Anthony Pattillo

June 12, 1933 - May 3, 2023