At Bayne-Jones Army Neighborhood Hospital in Fort Polk, Louisiana, there is a portrait within the hospital foyer that tells a outstanding story. It is the likeness of Brigadier Basic Stanhope Bayne-Jones, the hospital’s namesake, depicting a person with a gentle gaze watching over the hospital and not directly greeting troopers, households and hospital employees.
Whereas the overall is a towering determine in his personal proper, the artist who painted the portrait of him earned her place in historical past. Margo Roll, an artist and army partner, painted the portrait of Basic Bayne-Jones in 1983, leaving her signature within the nook of the canvas.
Roll not too long ago handed away on the age of 94, together with her identify catching the eye of Daybreak Dunbar, a healthcare threat supervisor with BJACH’s High quality Administration Division, who realized the artist’s work had turn out to be a distinguished a part of the hospital’s historical past.
“I simply knew there was a narrative right here,” mentioned Dunbar, in a U.S. Army information launch obtained by Army.com. Dunbar reached out to the Roll household, who shared her life’s story, hoping it may very well be preserved.
Marguerite Wooden, Roll’s daughter, mentioned her mom’s inventive present was simply one other manner she served her neighborhood. The household shared work, images and a scrapbook stuffed with previous newspaper clippings documenting Roll’s lifelong involvement in the local people.
“She beloved individuals, she beloved her church, and he or she beloved her artwork,” Wooden mentioned. “And she or he at all times wished to make use of her items for one thing significant.”
Roll was born September 10, 1931, in Rockaway, New York, and later moved to Louisiana together with her husband, retired Chief Warrant Officer Ernest R. Roll, who served as an Army Prison Investigation Division particular investigator. Roll in her personal proper constructed a popularity as a revered artist, instructor and customized framer.
At BJACH, different work by Roll grasp within the hospital, together with panorama scenes depicting Louisiana’s pure magnificence. Each portray is a creative nod to the area and the army neighborhood at Fort Polk.
“BJACH exists to ship combat-ready care and guarantee warfighter readiness,” mentioned Col. Patrick W. Miller, commander of BJACH. He mentioned Roll’s work represents the connection between the hospital and the individuals it serves. “However our mission is simply doable due to the individuals who stand beside us — our employees, our Households, and our neighborhood companions. Mrs. Roll’s art work displays that bond, and her legacy will stay a part of this hospital for years to come back.”
Roll’s affect additionally reached past BJACH and into the neighboring neighborhood, the place her work is displayed at RealArt DeRidder Arts Cooperative. Betty White, president of the Beauregard Parish Artwork Guild, mentioned Roll helped form the group from its earliest days.
“Her work will proceed to be displayed and shared with the neighborhood as an inspiration to others,” White mentioned.
Roll’s daughter, Marguerite Wooden, mentioned her household is happy with her mom’s connection to BJACH.
“She didn’t speak a lot about recognition,” Wooden mentioned. “However she cared about leaving one thing behind that mattered — one thing that will nonetheless be right here lengthy after she was gone.”
The portrait of Bayne-Jones serves that function — as a reminder of the hospital’s namesake and the artist who painted his portrait, Margo Roll, a lady whose service and dedication shine with each brushstroke.
