Pendergrass Mayor Tolbert dies at age 83

Melvin "Monk" Tolbert, the longtime mayor of the small Jackson County city of Pendergass, died at age 83 on Monday, following a legnthy illness.

Tolbert served as Pendergass' mayor for 23 years

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson released this obituary:

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Mr. Melvin “Monk” Tolbert, age 83 of Pendergrass, Georgia who entered rest Monday, February 27, 2023. 

Mr. Tolbert was born in Jefferson, Georgia a son of the late Jesse and Ruby Spratlin Tolbert, graduated from Georgia State where he received his BBA in Business.  Mr. Tolbert attended the First Baptist Church of Jefferson and also The Jefferson Church.  Along with his family Mr. Tolbert operated the Otasco Store in Jefferson for twenty eight years, was a partner at Bailey Winston Real Estate Management, LLC, and has served as Mayor of Pendergrass, Georgia for twenty three years.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Tolbert is preceded by his wife of fifty seven years, Glenda Gee Tolbert, brother, Alfred “Tabo” Tolbert, Sisters, Nell Tolbert Segars and Becky Tolbert Slover.

Survivors include his wife Brenda Porter Tolbert of Pendergrass.  Two sons, Mark Tolbert (Jackie) of Pendergrass, Scott Tolbert (Joy) of Commerce.  Four grandchildren, Kristi Smallwood, Adam Tolbert, Abby Tolbert, and Ivy Tolbert.  Four great great grandchildren, Levi Smallwood, Braylin Tolbert, Breanna Tolbert, and Colt Tolbert.    

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 4, 2023 from The Jefferson Church with Reverend Nick Dalton and Dr. Michael Helms officiating with burial to follow in Pendergrass Baptist Church Cemetery.  Gentlemen honored as pallbearers are Ed Pass, Willie Pittman, Nathan Pruitt, Heavy Cannon, and Rob Russell.  The family will receive friends 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. prior to the service at The Jefferson Church, Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pendergrass Baptist Church, P.O. Box 146, Pendergrass, Georgia 30567.