Otis Allen Tolbert

Otis Allen Jackson Tolbert, age 80, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, April 3, 2022.  She was a beloved wife, mother, mawmaw, sister, and friend to many.  She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, her church, and community.  She was born on August 3, 1941.

Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.  Her Homegoing Celebration will begin at 3:00 pm.  Service and visitation will be held at First United Pentecostal Church located at 1368 Highway 80 in Brandon, MS.  She will be laid to rest in the Johns Cemetery in Brandon, MS following the services.  Arrangements are being handled by Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 60 years James M. (Sonny) Tolbert, Sr. They had five children Beverly T. Johnston (Robert Lee); Robin T. Savoy; James M. (Bodie) Tolbert, Jr. (Sonja), Jacque T. Soileau (Peter) and Michael K. Tolbert.  She took great pleasure in spoiling five grandchildren Bethany Smith (Ben), Garrett Tolbert, Slade Tolbert, Cole Tolbert and Lillian Soileau.  Sister-in-law Bonnie J. Boatner (Victor) and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents William B. (Billy) Jackson and Nannie Louise Crabtree Jackson in Neshoba County, MS.  She was the baby of eight.  Three sisters:  Eunice Young (Pete); Sarah Vowell (Junior) and Wilma Snow (Paul).  Four brothers:  B. P. Jackson (Larine); C. B. Jackson (Shirly); W. B. Jackson; and J. B. Jackson (Mary Nell).

Otis graduated from Neshoba County High School in 1959.  She worked for the Neshoba Democrat in Philadelphia, MS for four years then became a stay home mom.  In June 1976, Sonny and Otis moved their family to Brandon, MS.  She was a member of Brandon First United Pentecostal Church for many years, and she loved serving in many capacities as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, hostess and ladies ministries.  Her greatest ministry was sending cards to encourage and congratulate people.  She loved helping people and always had a ready smile for those she met.  For many years she baked cakes and pies for people in the community.  A great joy was traveling with her family.

Memorials can be made to First United Pentecostal Church and designated to Mothers Memorial, a division of Ladies Ministries UPCI.   Memorials can be mailed to Post Office Box 217, Brandon, MS  39043.

Pallbearers are Garrett Tolbert, Slade Tolbert, Cole Tolbert, Noah Bowlin, Taylor Bowlin and Jason Smith.

A special thanks to her caregivers from St Dominic Healthcare in Brandon and her hospice nurse, Kim Ivy, and the staff at AccentCare Home Health and Hospice.