James Edward Tolbert

In the heart of Dawson, Terrell County, Georgia, a legend was born. On August 28, 1957, James Edward Tolbert made his grand entrance into the world to the parentage of Willie J. Tolbert, Sr. and Willie Jewel Tolbert, heralding the beginning of a legacy that would leave an indelible mark on those around him.
From the very beginning, 'Edward' as he was affectionately called, had a strong connection to his faith. He accepted God as the guiding force in his life at a young age and was baptized at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia. Later in life, Edward moved his membership to Sardis Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia. While Edward pursued his last high school years elsewhere, his heart remained rooted in the Class of 1977 at Terrell County High School. Despite the passage of time, he remained steadfast in his connection to his classmates and the memories they shared, often participating in class events, weaving bonds of friendship that endured through the years.
From a very young age, Edward learned the significance of being a provider, understanding that hard work was the sole path to achieving it. He held positions at Lilliston, Yale Rubber Company, Steven's Industry, KFC, and Walmart Supercenter.
On April 21, 1984, a beautiful chapter began in Edward's life as he exchanged vows and pledged his forever love to Jacqueline Jones, his soulmate. Their union was blessed with the joy of four children, a son and three daughters. As time passed, their family circle would expand even further with a fourth daughter. Together, Edward and Jacqueline, forged a life filled with laughter, love, unity, and countless treasured moments, creating a legacy of family that would endure for generations to come.
Edward was the center of attention in any environment; he never met a stranger. He had a passion for engaging with and imparting wisdom to the younger generation. He loved telling his own joke, and he loved and believed in the importance of family. Spending time with the family really meant a lot to him. But nothing or no one was more important than his wife, parents, daughters, and grandchildren. Edward cherished family gatherings as they provided him with the opportunity to spend time with his beloved family. Edward definitely enjoyed watching his Western movies, taking care of his lawn, cooking on the grill, and enjoying snacks.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, surrounded by his cherished family, James received the anointing, affirming God's call, recognizing his faithful service with a job well done. Although it left a huge void in the hearts of many, we are tremendously grateful for the 66 awesome years that God blessed us with him. We find comfort in remembering all the precious memories each of us shared with Edward. He was preceded in death by his son, Chartavious Tolbert, his mother, Willie Jewel Tolbert, a brother, Benjamin Tolbert and two sisters, Patricia Tolbert and Jacqueline Brown.
The memories and legacy of Edward will always remain constant with his wife of 40 years, Jacqueline Denise Tolbert; four daughters, Ketrayontia (Oshae) Bowens, Lacandria Tolbert, Latoya Darns and Charteshia Tolbert; his grandchildren that he cherished, Melea Perry, Shatavion Bowens, Shacambria Bowens, Dionte Barnes, Detavion Barnes, Zahria Powell, Nedarious Darns, Za'niyah Jackson, and Chartavious Perry; two great grandchildren, Greysen Harris and Kingston Bowens; his father, Mr. Willie J. Tolbert, Sr.; four siblings, Tommy Shannon, Willie J. (Carolyn) Tolbert, Jr., Curtis Tolbert, and Wanda Tolbert; five aunts, Ora Lee Jackson, Peggy Jones, Martha Grier, Mary Grier, and Mary Ann (Harry) Carter; three uncles, Johnny (Helen) Grier, Bobby Grier, and Jessie (Earnestine) Alford; seven sisters-in-law, Charlie (Frank) Graves, Alma Jones, Jennie Jones, Clara (Larry) Edmon, Barbara Jones, Nettie (Rev. Freddie) Jones, and Tammy Jones; four brothers-in-law, Lovie Jones, Charlie Jones, Richard Jones, and Alvin (Antionette) Jones; two special nieces, Shaturia Tolbert and Shanekia Tolbert; a special nephew, Desmond Tolbert; nieces and nephews that he raised like his own, Ontario Watson, Tyneshia Jones, and Rod Jessie; special friends, Isaac Daniels, Johnny Chambers, and the Tolberts (Pool Rood); two bonus sons, Carlos Powell and Alre'k Brown; great neighbors who were like sons to him, Ricky Monds and JaMikal Powell and a host of nieces and nephews, who each held a special place in his heart, relatives, and friends.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
James Edward Tolbert, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.