Clifford Lee Tolbert

Mr. Clifford Lee Tolbert of 49 Bush Street, Richland, Georgia, passed away on February 23, 2010 at St. Francis Hospital, Columbus, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. at New St. Mark Baptist Church, Richland, Georgia. The burial service will follow in Bryant Cemetery, Richland, Georgia.

Clifford Lee Tolbert was born September 20, 1938, to the late Lunsford Tolbert, Sr. and the late Willie Mae Moses Tolbert who were widely and favorably known members of the community.

"Cliff", as he was called by family and friends, graduated from Richland High and Industrial School. He earned an undergraduate degree in Science from Fort Valley State College, a masters degree in Adult Education from Tuskegee Institute, teacher certification in industrial arts from Georgia State University and the University of Georgia, and jobs for students program from Berry College.

Cliff was a guiding force in the lives of hundreds of students during his long teaching career; it was evident by the many students who kept in touch. He taught in the local schools, Turner Job Corps Center, Albany, Georgia, and the local prison system.

Cliff was an avid fisherman and considered it one of the "Fine Arts".

Church was an integral part of Cliff's life. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Usher Board President, church Choir President, and Chairman of Deacon Board. He also served as the President of the Stewart County Mass Choir.

Not one to neglect civic endeavors, he was a former Scoutmaster, served on the Richland City Council, and at his death, he was President of the local Fuller Center for Housing (formerly Habitat for Humanity).

His sudden departure, sense of humor, and ready laughter will be mourned by many.

Cliff's survivors include his wife of forty-three years, the former Joyce Persons; two sisters, Mary Lloyd and Bettye Armour; one brother, Lunsford Tolbert, Jr.; three sisters-in-law, Susie Tolbert, Frances Barnett, and Louise Dawkins; three uncles, Grover, James, and Walter Moses; a host of nieces, nephews, and many, many friends in Stewart County and places beyond.

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