Tayna Benton Dontrise Blake April Benton \1'\!aters Nieces Pam Cox Kim Reese Tuere Porche Roderick Maxey Emanuel Carreker Sidney Benton Jallhctrrz Nephews Chris Tolbert Eric Benton Micheal Wright J\cknofnkbgmnf The family of the late Mrs. Essie Pearl Tolbert extends our appreciaton to our many friends for the kindness shown during the passing of our loved one. Your cards, flowers, prayers; and visits have been a source of comfort. ~tc@;2J ~lkrz ~ro4rz, ~nc. FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MORTICIANS 889 M. L. King , Dr. Drive, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314 923 McDaniel Street, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30310 404-522-6924 404-522-2591 MKO Graphics & Printers (404) 523-1560 ~omgoing ~r&icz for c!f.lffrz. Illzzi Jarl Wolhrl Jff~ 1909- 1998 . Saturday, May 16, 1998 -1:00 P.M.- ~rctfr~pringfilli ~apfizf QI4urc4 721 Jones Avenue, Northwest Atlanta, Georgia The Reverend Solomon Whitfield, Jr., Pastor Officiating hitmrtr Mrs. Essie Pearl Tolbert was born March 9, 1909 to the late Mr. Will Upshaw and Mrs. Sallie Daniel in Athens, Oconee County, Georgia. She came to Atlanta at an early age. She attended E. A. Ware Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School. She entered into holy matrimony to the late Mr. Eddie Tolbert, and five children were added to this union; two preceded her in death, Ozzie B. Tolbert and Rudolph Tolbert. She later married Mr. James Petty, who preceded her in death. She was a member of Second Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Johnny L. Jones. Later, she united with Greater Springfield Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Solomon Whitfield, Jr., November 12, 1989. Mrs. Petty departed this life Monday, May 11, 1998, and leaves to cherish her memory, three children, Mrs. Marie Maddox, Mr. Grady Tolbert, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tolbert (Wanda); nineteen grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, two great-greatgrandchildren, eight nieces, fourteen great-nieces, nine greatnephews; five cousins, Mrs. Doshia Rudisal, Mrs. Mattie Mae Catlin, Mrs. Callie Bolton, Mr. Lonnie Payne, and Mr. Cecil Daniel; a dear friend, Mrs. Annie Copeland; other relatives and friends. IMFREE Don't grieve for me, for now I'1n free. I'1n following the path God laid for me; I took His hand when I heard Hi1n call, I turned 1ny back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with re1nembering joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah, yes, these things I too will1niss. Be not burdened with ti1nes of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, good friends, good ti1nes, a loved one's touch. Perhaps 1ny ti1ne see1ned too brief. Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with 1ne, God wanted me now, He set 1ne free. PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL SELECTION ............................................ Sanctuary Choir SCRIPTURES: The Old Testament The New Testament PRAYER ............................ Pastor Solomon Whitfield, Jr. SELECTION ............................................ Sanctuary Choir REMARKS: (Two minutes) Brother James Woods Others OBITUARY .................................................. Read Silently SOLO .......................................................... Aisha Porche EULOGY ............................... The Reverend Whitfield, Jr. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT RECESSIONAL "Good Lord, I've Done What You Told Me To Do" POSTLUDE c3Jntrmnt Chestnut Hill Cemetery Moreland Avenue, Southeast Atlanta, Georgia