Today we honor the remarkable life of Bishop Howard Jerome Rolle, a man of integrity, a man of relentless faith, and a man deeply committed to God. Bishop Rolle was born on February 17, 1953, to the late Bishop Ronald Rolle and Missionary Nellie Ross Rolle in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Howard received his early education in Hallandale and graduated from South Broward High School. During his high school years, he was a dynamic football player and was affectionately known as “Baby Bull”. After graduation Bishop Rolle became an entrepreneur and owned a successful Landscaping business, Howard Rolle’s Exotic Landscaping Service. He was highly sought after and he maintained that business for approximately 40 years.
Bishop Rolle accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age and served faithfully at the Hallandale Church of God under the leadership of the late Bishop James Campbell. While serving in ministry he married the love of his life, Deborah Blackman. On October 21, 1978, they were joined in holy matrimony. From this union, one daughter and three sons were born; Valencia (deceased), Howard (A.K.A. Jermaine), Marlon and Justin. Bishop Rolle was a devoted father to his family.
As a humble servant, he served joyfully in various capacities: Sunday School Teacher, President of the Youth Department, and Director of the choir. He also evangelized throughout the State of Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Jamaica and the Bahamas. He served as the District Evangelist for the Pahokee District for many years and was awarded “ Evangelist of the Year” for the State of Florida during a State Convention. His spiritual calling was a gift from God that he cherished.
Bishop Rolle was an ordained minister and later promoted to Pastor of Northwood COG. This man of God made a tremendous impact on the ministry and community. His pastoral and spiritual leaderships included his faithful devotion to Northwood COG (Riviera Beach FL), 5th Ave COG (Ft. Lauderdale FL), Dania COG (Dania Beach FL) and his final destination of service 5th Street COG (West Palm Beach FL). He also served as a member of the State Council of Bishops of the Florida Cocoa Churches of God Executive Office. He was compassionate about his purpose of fulfilling the work of God. (Matt. 25:23) “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD.” On November 12, 2025, Bishop Rolle entered into his eternal rest.
Of all of his attributes he was known as a kind and compassionate man. He has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him
Bishop Rolle leaves to cherish his memories and legacy: a devoted wife: Lady Deborah Rolle. 1 Daughter Valencia Rolle (deceased). 3 Sons: Howard “Jermaine” Rolle, Marlon Rolle, and
Justin Rolle. 2 Grandsons: Tremarcus “Trey” Rolle and Tremaine “Looty” Rolle. 2 Great-grandchildren: Aleia Rolle and Amari Rolle. 3 Sisters: Patricia Rolle-Hardy (Earnest; deceased) Donna Rolle-Abrons, Chiquita Rolle-Jones (Kenneth), 6 Brothers: Albert (deceased), Curtis (deceased) (Mary), Donald “Butch” Rolle, Ray Rolle, Bobby Rolle (Linda; deceased), and Tyrone Rolle. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, church members and friends who loved him dearly.