Reverend Otis Tolbert

On Friday, October 2, 2020, God in his divine mercy quietly called Otis from labor to receive his reward in Washington, DC. Reverend Otis Tolbert, son of the late James and Carrie B. Rushing was born on July 28, 1939 in Sylvester, GA. Otis was preceded in death by his sisters Emma Patterson and Ethel Gaines.

At an early age, Otis gave his life to Christ and was baptized by the late Rev. Riddick, Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Georgia. Otis was educated in the public schools of Worth County, GA

In 1965 Otis relocated to Washington, DC. He worked for many years as a private contractor. Then he began his career with District of Columbia Public Housing Authority serving for more than ten years until his April2015 retirement. In 1966, Otis united with the First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, Washington, DC, under the pastorate of the late Dr. William Tyler, where he was ordained as deacon the following year. Otis served on the Deacon Board until he answered his calling to the Ministry in 1974.

Reverend Tolbert preached his trial sermon and was licensed by the First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, Washington, DC, in June 1974. To further his preparation for the Ministry, Reverend Tolbert attended and graduated from the Washington Baptist Seminary in 1978. Because of his commitment to service, he served as an Associated Minister to the late Rev. Jessie Dean, Pastor of the Community Baptist Church in Cedar Heights, MD for several years. Under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the Pastor Dean, Reverend Tolbert initiated several Church-wide spiritual growth and development programs – Weekly Bible class and the Youth Department.

Reverend Tolbert continued his commitment to the Church convent by uniting with the Mentrotone Baptist Church, Washington, DC, in April 1992 under the Pastoral leadership of Rev., Dr. Amaziah C. Harper, where he was currently serving until God called him home. Reverend Tolbert loved the Lord, loved his church and served faithfully in various capacities until his death. Reverend Tolbert is a member of the Ministers Conference of Washington, DC.

On March 25, 1995, Reverend Tolbert united in marriage to the former Lillie W. Glenn. Reverend Tolbert has a son and two daughters. Ms. Lillie has two daughters from a former marriage. Reverend Tolbert enjoyed sharing time with family and friends. He enjoyed working in his garden and traveling. He greatly enjoyed the music of the William Tyler Gospel Choir.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lillie of 25 years; his son, Pastor Julian Womack, daughters Rhonda and Tess, seven grandchildren: Marquis, Mahogany, Diamond, Christina, Crystal, Lehymia, and Madison; a great-grandson David Jeremiah; and two step-daughters Anniet and Renee. He also leaves three brothers: Robert (Ella), Charlie (Irene) and Rufus (Gloria), four sisters: Catheleen (Charles), Carolyn (Robert), Alice Lois, and Eula Dell (Raymond) and a lifelong friend Melvin “Drew Who” Drew and host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and a caring Church family.