Geraldine Brewer Tolbert

Geraldine Brewer Tolbert, 94, was born February 21, 1926, in McCurtain, Oklahoma and left peacefully for her eternal home on December 29, 2020. Jerry was the youngest of four children born to Elmer Brewer and Minnie Sargent.

Her family came to California during the Great Depression working the fields around Shafter and eventually settling in Visalia. Jerry attended local schools from the 6th grade and graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1943.

It was during her high school years that she began attending the Church of Christ in Visalia (later known as Willow Glen Church of Christ) where she was mentored by so many women, eventually being baptized and remaining an active member there for more than 50 years. She was currently a member of Visalia Community Church of Christ.

Jerry attended San Jose Bible College (now William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA) from 1943-1946. Upon returning to Visalia she began working for the Gas Co. She married her high school crush Bill Tolbert on April 8, 1947. Their first child David was born in 1948, Carolyn followed in '49, Leda in '51, Paul in '53, and Susan in 1956.

With the birth of David she began a career as a full time mother. Nothing gave her greater satisfaction than her children, and she would often say she didn't know what she would do without her kids. Many years later while her kids were still at home, Jerry went back to college. She earned her nursing degree from College of the Sequoias, being in the first class to graduate from the nursing program in 1972.

Besides her love for the Lord, family was her focus and joy. She loved having her family together for holidays, birthdays, or family reunions. As her extended family grew she enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's recitals and sports events even into her 90s.

As Jerry faced health challenges in these last few months her abiding faith in God buoyed her spirit. When the time came and her Lord beckoned, she was ready to go beyond the sunset.

Left to cherish her memory are children Carolyn Shook (Jack), Leda Inchcliff (Dave), Paul Tolbert, Susan Pemelton (Steve). Grandchildren Jason Shook, Travis Inchcliff, Macy Wilfong, Jennifer Range, Adam Tolbert, Megan Brogan, Nathan Inchcliff, Matthew Tolbert, Hailey Pemelton, Andrew Tolbert, Rachel Pemelton and 14 great grandchildren. Daughter-in-law Michelle Tolbert, Sisters-in-law LaVerne Pennington and Judy Donahue (Ray), brother-in-law Kenneth Tolbert, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Bill Tolbert, her son David Tolbert, grandson Jeffrey Tolbert, her parents, siblings Othel Brewer (Willie), Iva Rumsey (Bud), and James Brewer, In-Laws Roy and Doris Tolbert, sister-in-law Wilma Tolbert, brother-in-law Kenneth Pennington, nephews Larry Tolbert, Darren Tolbert, Kevin Sasin, Jimmy Rumsey (Sally), and niece Arlene Rumsey Bister.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Visalia Community Church of Christ, 3838 S. Court St., Visalia. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Tolbert family.