Services will be 12:00 noon Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home for Mrs. Avis Arlene Roland, 65, of Youngstown, who passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Health Center- Youngstown.

Avis was born April 1, 1951 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Willie Sr. and Georgetta Smith Spann.  She was a 1970 graduate of South High School.  She was a true believer in the Lord and was an usher at the Living Word Church. Avis was a former member of Ebenezer C.O.G.I.C.  She worked for Gateways to Better Living and Siffrin Residential for several years.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and listening to her church music.

She is survived by, Bud Roland, Jr., three children, Mary Spann, Shayatta Spann and Shaquila Roland; five brothers, Sgt. Willie, Elder Keith, Robert, Myron and Martin; six sisters, Ava, Georgetta, Jackie, Janice, Pamela, and Marva; thirteen grandchildren; six great granddaughters; a special companion, Guy “Butch” Riddle III; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Terrez Spann; grandparents, Mary  and William T. Smith; and Lizzie M. and Brice E. Spann.

Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon on Thursday at the funeral home.