Sylvester "Peter Frog" Rollins' Obituary
Sylvester “Peter” Rollins, born June 20, 1941, in Hollindale, Mississippi, passed away on May 26, 2025 in Burien, Washington, surrounded by the love of family. Peter lived a life filled with love, laughter, and deep, meaningful connections. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and cared for—and that’s how he’ll always be remembered.
Peter had a special gift for bringing people together. Whether it was through his work at the post office or the dry cleaners, he loved meeting people, sharing stories, and lending a helping hand. He believed in kindness, and he lived it every day.
At home, Peter’s heart was in the kitchen. His southern cooking—especially his famous turkey wings and collard greens—was legendary. But more than the food, it was the togetherness that mattered most to him. Family cookouts, backyard BBQs, and Sunday dinners were sacred. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy, and those moments of laughter, music, and love were the ones he cherished most.
Music was always playing in Peter’s world. The soulful voice of Johnnie Taylor and the smooth sounds of Nat King Cole were the soundtrack to many beautiful memories. His home was filled with warmth, rhythm, and the kind of joy that only comes from a life well lived.
Peter’s faith was the foundation of who he was. He found peace and strength in Scripture, and his favorite verse, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1), was a reflection of the quiet trust he placed in God. His gentle spirit, steady presence, and generous heart were a blessing to everyone around him.
He is survived by his beloved partner, Merith Clarke; his sons, Brian Rollins, Wasanii Clarke and bonus son Jimmy Alford; his daughter, Imanii Clarke; his sisters, Dorothy J. Williams and Alice Johnson; and his brother, Dan Rollins, Jr. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, beautiful/talented grandsons and granddaughters (who he would brag about continuously), extended family, and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts.
Peter was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, LM Rollins and Dan Rollins, Sr.; his sisters, Geraldine Heyward, Dr. Ruth Ann Searcy, and Irma Rollins; and his brothers, Emmanuel Rollins, Calvin Rollins, Carl Rollins, niece Elaine Johnson, and his grandson Gmiahh Rollins.
As we celebrate Peter’s life, we remember a man who gave so much love and asked for so little in return. His legacy lives on in the meals we share, the songs we sing, and the kindness we show one another. He was truly one of a kind—and his memory will forever be a blessing.
What’s your fondest memory of Sylvester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sylvester?
Share a story where Sylvester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sylvester you’ll never forget.
How did Sylvester make you smile?