Mrs. Surfronia Bethley Jolla was born in Woodville, MS on August 11, 1925, to the late Rev. Keller Bethley and Isadora Pullett Bethley. Sister Jolla entered her Heavenly home peacefully on January 15, 2021. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and attended St. John Baptist Church in Edgefield, MS, where the late Reverend Robert Turner served as Pastor. She graduated from McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, LA while working in her brother's grocery store. She continued her educational pursuits at Alcorn A&M University in Lorman, MS graduating with a BA in Elementary Education while maintaining a full-time position as a teacher. She married the love of her life, Dudley Oscar Jolla, Sr., in 1948. Education was very important to her. With a supportive husband, four children and a full-time job as a teacher at Wilkinson County Training School, she decided to pursue a graduate degree. She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA where she received a Master's Degree in Education, and earned additional hours towards a post graduate degree. She also received a certification in Special Education. The Jolla Family relocated to New Orleans, LA in 1967 and became members of Second Mt. Everest Baptist Church, where the late Reverend Harrison D. Dupree served as Sr. Pastor. Sister Jolla served on the Deaconess Board and as Assistant Church Secretary. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Sister Jolla taught at several schools in New Orleans including: McDonogh 40, Phillips Elementary, and William B. Frantz. She retired in 1991. Sister Jolla left a legacy of the importance of faith, family, and education in her family. She leaves to cherish her memory three devoted daughters: Diana Marie Jolla, Cherlyn Lavern Jolla, and Marvlieu Bernetta Jolla Hall (Reverend Victor T. Hall, Sr.); seven grandchildren: Sean E. Beauchamp (Andrea); Jared M. Anderson (Brianne), Victor T. Hall II, Amber N. Jolla, Nia I. A. Hall, Ayanna G. C. Hall, and Janai A. Jolla. Eight (8) great grandchildren, six (6) great great grandchildren, two godsons: Geovane Santos and Gary Lambert; two brothers-in-law: James E. Jolla (Thelma) and Henry Battiste Jr., her lifelong friend, Mrs. Celeste S. Holland; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley Jolla Sr., two (2) sons: Roland and Dudley Jolla Jr., and her six (6) siblings. The Family will host a private service. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share online condolences.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 20 to Jan. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Surfronia Jolla

Sponsored by Rhodes Funeral Home - Washington Avenue.

15 Entries

The Family of Edward D. Anthony, Sr.

January 25, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Sending heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one.

Your FTV Capital Family

Planted Trees

Mary Payne /Excell and Lula Bethley Family Nieces and Nephews

January 22, 2021

To The Jolla Family!
As I always although we are apart in miles but together always in heart, love and spirit. Aunt Sufronia was loved so very much by our entire family. She had such a gentle kind humble spirit that was felt whenever you were around her. I can feel her presence even now and we will carry them in our hearts forever.

May God continue to wrap his arms around the whole family and give us all thepeace. We love you and are here for you

We love y’all and are so thankful and blessed that God shared Aunt Sufronia with us.

Excell and Lula Bethley Sr Family,s Nieces and Nephews

Nikki Laurent

January 22, 2021

The Jolla Family,
You have our deepest condolences during this time. We will cherish her love, spirit intellect and kindness. Aunt Surfronia was a beacon of light that will continue to shine through her precious daughters and their lovely families. We love you all.
Your Great Niece and
The Laurent Family
Nikki, Larry, Josh, Durrell

Dorothy Ford

January 22, 2021

My sincere condolences to the Jolla family. Mrs. Jolla taught me at Wilkinson County Training (High) School and I adored her. May God give you comfort.

Glenda E. Lundy

January 22, 2021

Jolla Family,
Thinking of you in this difficult time, sending much love and asking God to grant you peace, grace, and mercy to navigate this special season. Ms. Jolla was a great warrior not just in education but in her faith. The Master promised and find comfort in Psalm 90:10 "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." She was rewarded with many years beyond this promised and I am so happy our paths crossed. Just remember Ms. Jolla will never be more than a thought away as long as there is a memory, she will be in our hearts to stay.

Gwendolyn Turner

January 22, 2021

AUNTIE WAS THE BEST, LOVE YOU AND WILL MESS YOUR PRESENTS,HEART WARM LOVE TO THE FAMILY,FROM GWEN TURNET

Gwendolyn Spencer

January 22, 2021

Jolla Family,
You’re in my heart and thoughts at this time. I will always remember your mom’s sweet spirit and smile. Hold on to the legacy while God comforts and strengthens the family.

LOUVENIA HENYARD-BELL

January 21, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Fox-Rodgers Lolita

January 21, 2021

You fought a good fight, you finished the course, you kept the faith

Mary Williams

January 21, 2021

My sincere Condolences to my devoted Woodville Family and Friends. Mrs Surfronia to me was a Woodville Mother to me not just a former teacher, family friend or neighbor. I have showed up at her doors a many days just to talk an obtain the wisdom and knowledge she had. Sleep on an take your rest.

Gerry G. Duvernay

January 21, 2021

May God bless the family in your time of sorrow. Mrs. Jolla, one of the kindest, sweetest ladies I have ever known. She always reminded me of my mother. May she rest peacefully with the bright stats in heaven.
Love

Rose Pullet Netter

January 21, 2021

SHARI G IN YOUR LOSS AND SENDING LOVE, FROM HOUSTON, TX. FROM COUSINS ROSE, TONYELLE AND HAROLD AARON

Brenda A. Roussell

January 21, 2021

My deepest Condolences to The Jolla Family. As a neighbor for 15 yrs. and a customer. Ms. Surfronia was one of the most kind and loving people I've ever met. I will miss you deeply. Praying strength to the family.
Ms. B

Darriel King

January 21, 2021

Thanks Ms Jolla for being the surrogate mother to a bunch of us at phillips elementary. To absent from the body is to Present from the Lord. Jolla family thank you sharing Ms Jolla.with thousands of children across the city of New Orleans
May you find comfort in the Lord. From My Family to yours. We are praying for y'all.

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