A celebration of the life & spirit of Mr. Ernest Tolbert, February 22, 1928-April 11, 2009, Saturday, April 18, 2009, 2:00 p.m., Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1260 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, Ga 30904, Reverend Gail Tolbert Smith, presiding

OF THE
cSjgje' & Qfjbiut
OF
FEBRUARY 22, 1928 ~ APRIL 11, 2009

Saturday ~ April 18, 2009 2:00 P..M.
1260 W rightsboro Road Augusta, Ga 30904

Ernest Tolbert was bom February 22, 1928 in Macon, Georgia to the late Will and Ida Tolbert. On Saturday Apri 11, 2009 Angels of the Lord escorted him home to live with his Heavenly Father.
Coach Tolbert graduated from Ballard-Hudson High School in Macon, Georgia. During his high school tenure he excelled in academics and sports.
He is a graduate of Savannah State College in Savannah, Georgia where he excelled in sports and music while receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He also received a Master o f Arts degree in Education from New York University where he was one o f the first participants on the Presidential Council for Physical Fitness.
He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict as a Troop Information and Recreation Specialist.
After an honorable discharge from the US Army he taught and^coached at Fair Street High School in Gainesville. Georgia; Drake High School in Thomaston, Georgia; and Peter G. Appling High School in Macon, Georgia.
His tenure began at Paine College in 1967. As Coach and Athletic Director he was instrumental in developing many athletic programs. Coach had an innovative style of motivation, leadership and character development.
In servicing the community, Coach Tolbert established and directed the Summer Youth Recreation and Educatior Program. He established relationships with various businesses and organizations.
Coach Tolbert left Paine College and returned to Public School teaching for the Richmond County Board of Education where he retired after 40 years in Education.
Coach Tolbert was a faithful and active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He participated in the Golden Choir and Male Chorus. He had a special love for music, singing and was a gifted soloist.
Coach Tolbert wrote many articles and received many awards. Some accolades are Coach of the Year Macon Times; Coach of the Year Albany Times, NAIA District 25 Basketball Champions, NAIA District 25 Coach of the Year; 50 years of service as an Official of the Georgia High Association and numerous other awards. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
He was preceded in death by a step mother, Mrs. Annie Bell Tolbert, six brothers- Willie, Samuel, Charles Mack. Curtis, Johnny B. and Joseph and two sisters- Sheila Thomas and Bethsheba Tolbert.
Precious, loving memories are shared by all whose life he blessed especially: wife of fifty-three years, Betty M. Tolbert, three children: Ernest E. Tolbert (Patricia); Augusta, GA, Pamela R. Tolbert; Atlanta, GA and Patrick C. Tolbert (Lana); Duluth, GA. Three grandchildren: Michael E. Tolbert, Ashlee R. Tolbert and Myla N. Tolbert. Three sisters: Iretha Trimble, Doris Tolbert; Cincinnati, OH, and Louise Davis; Macon, GA. Two brothers: David Tolbert (Shirley); Macon, GA, and Jesse Tolbert (Janie); Detroit, MI. Three sister-in-laws: Mary Ann Hall; Gainesville GA, Betty J. Tolbert; Macon, GA and Carol Tolbert; Cleveland, OH. Four brother-in-laws: James R. Smith, Bobby Smith; Milwaukee, WI, Phillip Smith and Wade Smith; Gainesville, GA. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Processional Hymn Scripture Reading
Old Testament New Testament

ORDER OF SERVICE
Reverend Gail Tolbert Smith, Presiding Universal Light Christian Center Macon, Georgia
Reverend John A. Lockhart Reverend Jeanette Hawkins

"We're Marching to Zion" Choir and Congregation

Musical Selection

''The Lord's Prayer"

Wilmon Washington

Prayer of Comfort

Reverend Clyde Hill Sr. Mount Calvary Baptist Church

Musical Selection

His Eye Is On the Sparrow"

Cara Fields

Reflections (Please Limit to 3 minutes) As A Colleague As A Coach As A Coach As A Coach As A Church Member As A Church Member As A Friend As A Brother As A Brother As A Grandfather As A Father

Reverend Bernard Johnson Johnny C. Nimes James Green Lester Paige Deacon Johnny Naylor Viola B. Elam Robert Cooper Iretha Trimble Jesse A. Tolbert Ashlee Tolbert Ernest E. Tolbert

Life and Legacy

(read silently)

^Acknowledgements

W. H. Mays Mortuary

Omega Tribute

''Omega Dear"

Omega Brothers

Medley of Favorite Songs

Male Chorus and Golden Choir

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Eulogy

Reverend Dr. Kenneth B. Martin Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Recessional

Male Chorus and Golden Choir

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Interment

Westover Memorial Park ~ Augusta, GA

I thought o f you w ith love to d a y but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too,
I th in k o f yo u in silence I often speak your name Pill I h a v e are m em ories and yo u r p icture in a fram e
Your memory is my keepsake w ith w h ic h I'll n e ve r part
God h a s yo u in His keeping I h a v e y o u in my heart. Love B etty

oTtSu^ Ml/!/ (SD adA
I SB -4 * .
II ff I
(lever Ready to 5ay Goodbye
We're never ready to say goodbye To someone we hold dean If it were up to us, dear Dad, We'd aluuays keep you here.
But God has reasons o f His own find plans uue cannot know,
find these are always for our good, ,Though it may seem not so.
Our arms are empty and our hearts Are filled with tears and grief,
For we who loved each day with you, How find those days too brief. Yet if we could only heaven see, We'd know you're happy there,
find we would never call you back When such g re a ijo y you share, find so we'll trust you to God's great carJ find know some day, once more, We'll hold you to our hearts again When we reach heaven's shore. Love Everett, Pamela and Patrick
(Poem by Saralyn Smith) I

your life uua5 full of loving deeds, Forever thoughtful of our needs,
Today and tomorrow, our whole life through, We will always love and chensh you.
Love Michael, fbhlee and Myla

Man of Distinction

.....

--

^

Paine coach prod ie.es

winners without m o n e y

r*

>?

IMP

Mr. Johnnie C. Nimes Mr. Lester Paige Mr. Janies Green

Mr. Nathaniel Coxon Mr. Ike Brown Mr. Willie Dean

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Male Chorus Paine College Athletic Team Members, year 1967 - 1979

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Ushers ancf Golden Choir Members
We wish to express our deepest appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown to us during the unexpected loss of our loved one. We are especially thankful for
those who have inspired us with your prayers, visits, telephone calls, or flowers to console our hearts. May God Bless You.

Scholarship Fund In Coach's Honor Coach Ernest Tolbert Athletic Scholarship Fund has been established. Please send taxable donations to P.O. Box 1616, Duluth, Georgia 30096
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 1454 Florence Street
W.H Mays Mortuary 1221 James Brown Boulevard
Augusta, GA
programs by Gifted On Design and Consultant ~ 678.768.4673

Locations