OBITUARY
Rev. Dr. Robert J Tolbert Jr.
August 30, 1930 – August 7, 2020
Reverend Dr. Robert James Tolbert Jr. age 89, went to be with his Master on Friday, August 7, 2020.He died of natural causes at Cleveland Clinic- South Point Hospital in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Funeral Services will be held at Cory United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 22, 2020. Time will be announced. Reverend Dr. Tolbert was born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas on August 30, 1930 to the parents Rev. Robert J. Tolbert Sr. and Ellen Jane Andrews Tolbert. To the union three children were born: Robert J., George W., and Ellen J. who all preceded him in death. Reverend Dr. Tolbert attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Gammon Theological Seminary and graduated. He was pastoring Lennon-Memorial United Methodist Church in South Pittsburg, Tennessee met Mary Carolyn Jones. They were wed. To the marriage were born two children: Carolyn J. and Robert J. Tolbert III. Reverend Dr. Tolbert began his ministerial career in 1950. Over the years he pastored churches in Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio. He entered the United Methodist Church Northeast Ohio Conference in 1969. He pastored Centenary United Methodist Church, Union Avenue UMC in Alliance, Ohio. Reverend Dr. Tolbert was appointed the first African-American in the East Ohio Conference as Akron District Superintendent in 1974-1979. One of his most notable tenures was at the Cory United Methodist Church where he began pastoring in 1979. Cory grew under his leadership where he helped to start many initiatives to include Cory Kitchen and the former, Cory Mass Choir under the direction of Inez Gorman. Reverend Dr. Tolbert received his Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio in 1991. He was a loyal and faithful member of the Black Methodist Church Renewal (BMCR). He provided leadership to the East Ohio BMCR and also to the jurisdictional organization. He was a passionate spokesman on behalf of racial justice and a mentor to both clergy and lay. In later years, he pastored smaller churches in the Northeast Ohio Conference but his impact was just as powerful. He retired from the ministry in 2003. Reverend Dr. Tolbert enjoyed teaching bible study, fishing and attending family gatherings of all kinds. He always had a smile and a positive word for members, family and friends. Reverend Dr. Tolbert is survived by his wife, Mary, Cleveland, Ohio; his daughter Carolyn (Cleveland, Ohio) and; Robert (Cleveland, Ohio).
Services
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Visitation
Friday, August 21, 2020
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Wake
Saturday, August 22, 2020
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Funeral Service
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Memories
Rev. Dr. Robert J Tolbert Jr.
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCarol Stoudt
August 30, 2020
I want to extend my sincere sympathy to all of Rev. Tolbert's family for your loss. My husband, Forest and myself had the pleasure of him presiding over our marriage ceremony on July 1, 1972. At that time, he was the pastor at the UAUMC in Alliance, Ohio, of which I was a member. We were married for 46 wonderful years until Forest was called to his eternal home. I will forever have a vivid, favorite memory of our wedding day shared with Rev. Tolbert, a great man of God!
May God be with all of you.
Neriah Edwards-Boone
August 28, 2020
Rev. Tolbert was one of the ministers responsible for my coming to East Ohio. He always told the story of how he talked to Bishop James S. Thomas about me. He was a respected elder in the United Methodist Church, not only in East Ohio, but also in the North Central Jurisdiction and the General Church, especially in the caucus of Black Methodist for Church Renewal. He leaves a legacy of faithfulness. I commend his family, especially, his wife Mary and their children, Carolyn and Robert, into the Master's care. Jesus has already carried your sorrow and borne your grief. Hold to all the memories and be blessed. Neriah Edwards-Boone
Garlinda Burton
August 21, 2020
Reverend Tolbert was my first pastor at Lennon Memorial Methodist Church in Knoxville. Mrs. Tolbert was my first children's choir director and Sunday school teacher. He baptized my sister, Karlah. It was because of their love and nurture of my siblings and me that we are all still active Christian workers. I can never sufficiently express my gratitude for how Reverend and Mrs. Tolbert impacted my family. He deserves his heavenly reward. Mrs. Tolbert, Carolyn and Robert, you are in our prayers.
Love,
Garlinda Burton (daughter of Margaret Burton), with siblings Garland Jr., Rupert and Karlah)
Larry Randall
August 21, 2020
As I recall it was Reverend Tolbert's powerful sermon that called me to join Cory UMC. Also, to serve with the Young Adult group at that time. He was an inspiration to me and my family he will always hold a special place in my heart. My condolences to his family.
Yvonne Conner
August 20, 2020
Mrs. Tolbert and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you prepare to celebrate the life and ministry of your beloved Rev. Tolbert. He was a vessel of purpose and commitment to the call of God to preach, teach, and spread the goodness of Jesus Christ. We lift you in prayer as you treasure memories of moments shared throughout your lives in marriage and ministry. Sincere wishes for God's comfort and peace.
Rev. Dr. Yvonne and Mr. Bonnie Conner & Family
Blake Wagner Sr.
August 18, 2020
Bob Tolbert was a kind, caring and effective pastor. We sat together at the General Conference in Atlanta 1972 and Portland in 1976. His warm smile coupled with his great ability made it a great blessing to be in his presence. May our Risen Lord Bob served bring comfort and peace to his loved ones.
Blake and Gere Wagner, Mansfield OH
Bob Kuntz
August 18, 2020
Dear Mary, Carolyn, and Robert,
I first met Bob when I was a teenager in the '60s. He was involved in the Civil Rights movement and I respected him for his courage, determination, and kindness. When my wife and I were seminary students at Garrett-Evangelical, Bob came to visit us several times (as the D.S.). He reassured us, as a clergy couple, that he did not consider us a problem and that we would not be difficult to appoint. His reassurance and confidence helped us trust the appointment system, which, as young people, was not an easy thing to do.
Over the years, we had many meals and meetings together. Bob was a great model of leadership. He always lifted our spirits. He had a genuine care and a wonderful sense of humor.
We are sorry, due to the coronavirus (and my wife being extremely high risk) that we cannot come to the calling hours and funeral.
You are in our prayers, that Jesus would comfort you with his great peace, that he would bless your memories of Bob and let them be a source of joy and strength, and that he would give you a glimpse of Bob laughing in heaven with those he loves.
God bless you, Bob (and Libby) Kuntz
Aldersgate UMC Shepherds' Ministry
August 18, 2020
Dear Cory UMC Family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. We are here to support you. Praying for all of you.
In Christian Love, Aldersgate UMC Shepherds' Ministry
Barbara Armitage
August 18, 2020
Mary, John and I share your grief. We were very young when Bob and your family came to Union Avenue in Alliance. He was so important to me at the time.
I responded to my first altar call when he was at our church. I felt like it had never been done in our church and that morning I was so depressed at leaving my baby to return to work that I felt he did it just for me. He baptized Jason and I remember he was so nervous as it was his first baptism in our church. You and I shared talks and I have fond memories of your entire family. We share your grief.
Pam Kimble
August 18, 2020
Rev. Tolbert was my pastor at Union Ave. while I attended Mount Union. His sermons were inspiring, and his benedictions were the fastest I ever heard. It was like he was saying, you've heard God's word, now get out there as a Christian witness and make a difference this week.
The two of you, Mary, were such a team, and the way you continued to lead together remains a guide for even laypersons like my husband, Jim, and me.
As you send Rev. Tolbert into God's hands for eternity, may your family share many uplifting memories that ease your work through your grief.
Thank you for sharing your gifted, loving husband and father.
In Christian faith and love,
Pam Kimble
William Norman
August 18, 2020
I never served in the same district with Rev. Tolbert, but I always held him in high esteem. When I would see him at Lakeside, he was genuinely friendly with me. I was 13 years younger, and 6 years behind the fast track. When he spoke on the floor of Annual Conference, he did NOT waste our time!
May God comfort his loved ones.
Debbie Gibbons
August 16, 2020
Dear Mary and family, how very sorry I am to see this! Our times together at Redeemer North Hill, and Feed My Sheep are such a precious memory, and I will cherish the thought of those days always. Though I know it was only a small part of all he accomplished in his long and faithful life, still, Bob touched a host of lives there! His warmth and graciousness was extended to one and all, and with deep faith, patient and gentle witness, and an infectious sense of humor, he inspired many to deepen their own faith journey. I can still hear him leading us in worship singing what became his signature hymn, “Love Lifted Me!” He will be greatly missed! Yet, I rejoice that he is able to rest from all his labors, and in eager anticipation of the still greater glory that is now his in Christ. May our good Lord’s all embracing love enfold you now and grant you comfort and peace!
Calvin Weems
August 15, 2020
In loving memory of my uncle Rev. Dr. Robert Tolbert with love to the family. I pray God's peace and grace for you all in your time of grieving. I will always have loving memories of my Uncle as a child.
I will never forget all the wonderful times we would visit and all the great times we would have on the family boat rides. I remember always wanting a motorcycle but was too young to ride one...my uncle pulled out his motorcycle and gave me my first ride on a motorcycle...He was my favorite uncle.
I love you all 💞🌹🙏
-Calvin Weems
Beverly Chisholm
August 14, 2020
I was so sorry to hear of Pastor Tolbert's passing. I rode with him to dialysis for several months. It wasn't until I read that he was being funeralized at Cory that I remembered that I'd heard my sister, Rev. Linda Harris Cosby speak of him. When I called her she was sorry to hear of his homegoing, She told me that he married her and her husband and that he was well acquainted with my mom, Dorothy Harris. I wish I had known he knew my mom, I would have let him know I was her daughter. God bless you family and you have my deepest condolences.
Linda Harris
August 14, 2020
Dr. Tolbert, Rev. Tolbert, Pastor Tolbert, but to me, Daddy Bob. You came to Cory just as I was returning to Cleveland. Just a few years out of college, I was finding my way on my spiritual journey.
You became a mentor and friend. You saw things in me I did not see in myself, making me youth minister (with Carolyn as my brightest and most active group member) and encouraging me when I decided to attend seminary. I will never forget our conversations.
Mom Mary, you stole my heart and kept me stable on many occasions; especially after I got married. Your sound advice will remain with me always.
My heart hurts, but I know you are finally resting. You fought that diabetic demon for over thirty years, Its now time for you to rest. Rest peacefully. I'll see you in the morning when the dead in Christ shall rise.
Carolyn Wilson-Loveless
August 12, 2020
I always smiled when I saw Rev. Tolbert. The memories I have of him are so precious to me. He performed my Mother's funeral at Cory; he always had something to say that made me smile/laugh; I always felt he was sincere when he asked how I had been doing. My father, who has gone on to Glory, respected him. My blessing is that after not having seen him in years, there he was at the BMCR (2019). I was surprised that he remembered me but happy at the same time. Gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek. We talked for a few minutes. I'm so glad I got to see and talk to him one last time after all these years.
Ms. Mary, family: We've lost a great man. God bless and comfort you. Death leaves a heartache that only God can heal, and love leaves a memory that no one can steal.
Wilma Roberson
August 12, 2020
We are sad. Rev. Tolbert interviewed Rev. James when he was a seminary student in Nashville, Tenn and recruited him for East Ohio Conference, UMC. Rev Tolbert befriended our family of three and always encouraged and guided us. He is a Blessing to our family and we Thank and Praise God for the Tolbert Family. They are loved and cherished. Never will we forget, always we will be Thanking God for Him, Sisyer Mary, Carolin, And Bobby. We are Praying for you.