Pauline Ryan

Overview
Pauline Ryan-Rollins (October 5, 1927 - March 11, 2004) is an American philanthropist and politician who gained prominence throughout the Florida Panhandle in the late 1940s due to her work in various charities in the area. Ryan-Rollins has amassed over 50 years of public service so far in her lifetime, having never retired. She was the longtime spouse of Rev. Herbert Rollins(b. 1918 - d. 1999), who made a name for himself as a conservative reverend at the First Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. She is the paternal aunt of Paulina Ryan, Mother of Sec. of Domestic Affairs Evans Rollins,and his twin brother Evan Rollins, Mother in Law of New York Representative, Sanbino R.W. Rollins. In January of 2001, Pauline became the first female leader for a major party in the United States House Of Representatives.

Early Life & Education
Ryan-Rollins was born on October 5, 1927 in Tallahassee, Florida to Nicodemus Ryan (1889-1952) and Henrietta Butler (1900- ). Pauline was homeschooled during her adolescence, however she transferred to Leon High School in 1942 at the age of 15. During her time at Leon High, she met Herbert Rollins, an aspiring minister who helped Pauline get into the college of her choice, Florida State University. After graduating from high school in 1945, Ryan-Rollins matriculated to Florida State University, not long after marrying Herbert Rollins. In 1949, she graduated top of her class with a degree in Counseling.

1940s-1950s
As soon as Pauline graduated High School in 1945, she married 27 year old aspiring reverend, Herbert Rollins. Herbert was installed at The First Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida in January of 1946, and Pauline became the First Lady at the church, which had a small congregation initially. Pauline, however, set the church up for prosperity with her welcoming spirit and hospitality. The church’s congregation quickly grew from around 25 members to over 450. In the early 50s, Herbert Rollins began to openly speak out against the Civil Rights Movement, a position Pauline could not stand for. The couple separated in 1956 due to the disagreement, but ended up getting back together again in 1961.

1960s-1970s
In the early 60s, Pauline was fed up with the Jim Crow laws that affected African American community so harshly. In 1962, she met one of her best friend’s, mother of New York Representative Sanbino R.W. Rollins, and actively protested against the unjust treatment of the black community. There are many photos of Pauline actively participating in protests, she was even arrested at one point. After the Civil Rights Movement, Pauline had bettered the relationship with her husband. In fact, when Pauline was 39 and Herbert was 48, the couple decided it was time to bring life into the world. On September 18, 1970, Pauline and Herbert welcomed two twin boys, Evan and Evans Rollins, into the world.

1980s-2001
Pauline continued her duties as First Lady of The First Baptist Church in Tallahassee upon her husband’s resignation in 1987. Pauline is still an active member of the church and participates in nearly every service. In 1999, Pauline decided to run for Florida’s 1st district house seat upon the death of Senator Paulina Ryan, her niece. Pauline continues to be active in the charity community, attending a fundraiser for children with cancer in September of 2000.

Marriages

 * Pauline was married to Rev. Herbert Rollins from 1945 until his death in 1999.
 * A few months after Rev. Rollins’ death, Pauline Married United Federation, a representative from Pennsylvania.

Family

 * Pauline is the mother of 3 boys: Evan, Evans, and Jason.
 * Pauline is the aunt to Paulina Ryan and Chuck Ryan
 * Pauline is the sister to Rep. Paulette Ryan, the representative from Virginia’s third congressional district