Bernice B. Tolbert

Bernice Tolbert, of Ozark, passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2012 after an extended illness. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Westview Heights United Methodist Church of Ozark. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home directing.

Mrs. Tolbert loved her church home. She was an active member of Westview Heights United Methodist Church and lovingly served the Lord there for decades, where she was instrumental in building the first children’s church program and where she created and organized the puppet ministry for the church. Nanny will be remembered as a faithful witness for the Lord, as she lived her life by Christian teachings and ministered to others the life of joy that comes from being a faithful believer.

Mrs. Tolbert nurtured, taught, and cared for children in her home-owned daycare for over 24 years. Mrs. Tolbert’s grandchildren and the children she cared for called her “Nanny.” The name stuck and everyone in the community, both young and old, began to refer to her as Nanny as well. “Nanny’s kids” were instructed in the essential skills needed for Kindergarten, necessary life skills, and knowledge about the Lord. Nanny insisted on serving the children a homemade breakfast and lunch everyday; they were well fed kids! Nanny shuttled “her children” to school and countless activities over the years. She was often found waiting to deliver or pick up children from dance, gymnastics, baseball practice, and other events, as she believed from these experiences would come the basic skills that would enrich their lives forever. The ideals of sharing, cooperation, kindness, and perseverance were encouraged by her daily. Nanny loved each and every child as her own and helped their families in raising them to become accomplished young men and women. Through this life’s work, she made her priceless contribution to the Ozark community and beyond.

Nanny’s love of baking made her well-known and well-loved throughout Dale County. She baked goods for people all over the community, specializing in her famous “Nanny Tolbert Tea Rings,” and her other famous cakes and cookies. She would often whip up a batch of tea rings in no time, so that others would be able to have her special treats for the important events in their lives. Her contributions in this manner made her an integral part of all special occasions in Ozark. She shared some recipes willingly, while others were kept as treasured secrets.

Mrs. Tolbert was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and was the central person from which all in her family looked for guidance. She enjoyed camping with her husband, visiting with the children she cared for and their families, traveling, and spending time with many friends and extended family. Nanny will be remembered as always being kind, always having something positive to say, and forever touching others’ lives through her caring and compassionate spirit. Her love of all God’s creations extended to her own special poodle, Princess. Nanny Tolbert was a joy and will be missed by all who have known her.

Mrs. Tolbert was born on June 12, 1932 to the late Alex and Addie Overstreet Bryan in Alma, AL. Mrs. Tolbert was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gross Dock Tolbert; a son, Dennis Tolbert; three brothers and three sisters.

Mrs. Tolbert is survived by her son, Terry Tolbert (Carolyn) of Ozark; her daughter, Tanya Roberts (Jim) of Ozark; a daughter-in-law, Sherry Tolbert of Ozark; three grandchildren, Meagan Roberts and Jarod Roberts of Ozark, and Tracy Tolbert of Midland City.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Westview Heights United Methodist Church or to the Alzheimer’s Resource Center, 1314 Westgate Parkway, Suite 2, Dothan, AL. 36303.