Eloise Tolbert

Eloise attended UCLA and received her Bachelors in Education, but she had a “passion for fashion” which led her to the garment district in New York City where she became a seamstress while learning the industry from the inside. She later attended Queens College where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Education and she began her teaching career at Junior High School 180 in Far Rockaway Queens. Eloise had a love for serving the elderly in her community and began volunteering at local senior citizen facilities. She furthered that calling by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Gerontology from Adelphi University.

Eloise loved being in service for others, as is evident in the many organizations in which she was affiliated. She took the most pride in her sisterhood within the loving arms of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 1988, following her full retirement from NYC Public Schools, she continued to serve in education as a substitute teacher in the Fulton County School System where she gained yet another family at Banneker High school. Eloise received yet another calling, this time it was from the SCLC Women where she became a member and remained active until she was unable due to her health.

Though Eloise had many interests, family was always her main priority, from planning family reunions to opening up her home to any and all that ever needed a place to rest their heads, not to mention the mega cookouts and parties that she was famous for.

Eloise was preceded in death by her husband James Tolbert, mother, Ina Moore, father RT Williams, sisters Mildred and Helen, brothers Roy, Raymond, and Ronald. She will be remembered forever by her daughter, Kenya (John) Tucker; son Beau, honorary sons Ronald (Gaziella), Albert (Karen) and Craig(Tomeka) and sister, Ethel Brown; grandchildren: Monique, M’hagany, Beau II, and Lil Jeff; beloved great granddaughter, Egypt, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.