Joan Ann Tolbert

ROCKY MOUNT – Joan Ann Price Tolbert, age 78, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Born in Halifax County, NC on September 24, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Winfield Elmore Price and Annie B. Boyd. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Phil Tolbert and Daniel Tolbert; and her niece, Jennifer Price Farmer.

Joan was a member of Benvenue Baptist Church and a dedicated mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her family. As a single mother, there were seasons when she worked as many as three jobs to make ends meet, always putting the needs of her children first. She lived for a time in Sharpsburg and had been in the area since 1975. In 1969, she answered a call to serve others by becoming a nurse, beginning a lifelong vocation marked by compassion and faithfulness. She devoted many years to caring for others in the medical field, serving at Westgate Nursing Home, Guardian Care of Rocky Mount, Carrolton Nursing Home, and Beverly Health Care in Tarboro. In her later years, Joan resided at The Lodge of Rocky Mount, where she had lived since September 2021 and received excellent, loving care. Outside of her work, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, she loved plants, animals, dancing, and spending time at the beach.

Joan is survived by her son, Heath Wayne Tolbert and wife, Shannon; her grandchildren, Kaitlyn Canton and husband, the late Devin Canton, Ann-Grace Wells and husband, Caleb, Maddie Worsley, and Mason Worsley; her great-grandson, Zander Canton; her brother, Larry Price and wife, Linda; her sister, Janice Barnes; and her niece, Michelle Pierce.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Joan's life will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Wallyce Todd officiating. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home until 1:00 PM.

A private burial will take place at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joan's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.