Clarence Edward Tolbert, Jr.

Clarence Edward Tolbert, Jr. passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the age of 95. He was born in Bluefield, Virginia, as the son of Clarence and Laura Tolbert. He was a plasterer by trade and moved to Lake Worth, Florida, in 1955. He remained there until he retired and moved back to Bluefield, West Virginia. He lived in Rhode Island for the last five years of his life. Clarence was a hardworking man who cared deeply for his family and friends. He was extremely kind, compassionate, and soft spoken and was the definition of a true gentleman. He truly appreciated everything that anyone did for him, and he always wanted to do something for others. He was also a great father, grandfather, great-grandfather, caretaker, family historian, and friend. He fully enjoyed spending time with his three children, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren whenever he could and taking care of his wife of 65 years who was the love of his life. He also enjoyed supporting the local baseball teams and teaching all of us about the old family photos in his digital picture frame. He was also an avid Elvis fan, and he had every one of Elvis’ albums. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Alice (Dale). He was also preceded in death by his brother Claude Tolbert, and his two sisters, Shirley Jean and Joyce Durham. He is survived by his son, Chip Tolbert and wife Sue of Warwick, Rhode Island; his daughters, Gail Coleman and husband Jim of Lakewood, Colorado, and Martha Gauthier and husband Ken of Monroe, Georgia; his grandchildren, Matt Coleman, Jeff Shideler, Keri Terpstra, Jodi Mildren, Katelyn Stuart, Megan Wesley, and Matt Tolbert; and his great-grandchildren, Ava, Kalli, Harper and Skylar Terpstra, Brady and Brett Shideler, Solomon, Audrey, Asher and Josiah Coleman, and Audree Wesley. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Nettie Gates, of Bluefield, West Virginia. As we say goodbye to Clarence, we are comforted by the countless memories he leaves behind with everyone who knew him and that his legacy of kindness and compassion will continue to live on through his family and the many lives he touched. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. A celebration of Clarence’s life will be held at a future date in Bluefield, Virginia.