Martha Jane Tolbert

Martha Jane Tolbert was born Martha Jane Eady on February 1, 1931, in Marvell, Arkansas to Rev. Ed and Elizabeth Eady. Martha’s parents and all four of her siblings preceded her in death.

She received her education at Hick’s Elementary School, Tate High School, and Pioneer Community College.

Martha met and married the love of her life, James Benjamin Tolbert. To this union six children were born, three sons Keith Bernell, Alvin Clifford and Melvin Lewis preceded her in death. Martha and James were married until his death for 57 blessed years.

She confessed a hope in Jesus Christ at an early age. Martha was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the gift of the Holy Spirit under the leadership of Elder Warren and Elder Street.

Martha and James moved to Kansas City in 1951 and became members of Christ Temple Church under the pastorate of Elder Walter Scott. After several years, the family moved their membership to Grace Temple Church where Elder Alonzo Taylor was the pastor. Martha would be ordained as an Evangelist. Deacon and Evangelist Tolbert served faithfully until answering the call to help Elder Virgil Cox the pastor of Good Shepherd Assembly. Evangelist Tolbert stayed there until Elder Cox retired from pastoring. She would later join Victorious Life Church; Bishop Mark C. Tolbert was the pastor.

Evangelist Tolbert was a true servant in the Kingdom. She worked in the Sunday School Department, providing engaging and quality classes for the young and seasoned. She would also serve in the Northwestern District Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. Evangelist Tolbert founded and directed the Women’s Choir and served as the secretary for the Home Missions Department.

Martha was a hard worker. She worked various jobs, retiring from St. Luke’s Hospital Patient Transportation Department. She found joy in whatever she did. Martha greeted her patients with a smile and treated them with care.

Martha was a community leader. She was very active with the Kansas City Missouri School District, receiving several certificates of appreciation. Martha also volunteered with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She served as secretary and Block Liaison for the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council Alliance. Martha was recognized as a Citizen Police Academy Graduate in 2001. She was committed to making a difference in the lives of others and the TJB Foundation, Inc. honored her with the Unsung Octogenarian Award in 2013.

Martha had a love for family and community. In the summer of 1991, she and her husband founded Friend and Family Day. This annual celebration for families, friends and community members was full of love, fun and fellowship, one year this event was featured in the Call Newspaper.

Martha loved to write, read, sing, play the piano, travel, and learn new things. She had a passion for being a “beautician” for family and friends. She enjoyed sharing the love of God as well as hearing the gospel preached. Martha had a special love and concern for those marginalized and she would challenge the status quo.

She was generous and freely gave of her time and her money without conditions. Giving to others was very easy for Martha. She was known for being good to all people. Martha was a praying woman, an encouraging woman, she always had a positive word to say, she was everybody’s cheerleader. Most importantly, this mighty woman of God would share her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Martha was affectionately known by many names, China, Doll, Mama, Mother Dear, Momma Martha, Aunt Martha, Miss Martha, Mrs. Tolbert, Sis. Tolbert and Evangelist, but no matter what you called her she answered with her heart.

Martha answered God’s heavenly call on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

She leaves to lovingly cherish her memory, her children, Edward Gene Tolbert (Billye) of Arlington, TX, Erma L. Rogers of Kansas City, MO, Clarence Tolbert of Kansas City, and Kimberly Atkinson of Fort Worth, TX, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Martha's Homegoing Celebration will be 'Livestreamed' and recorded... Please find the link below on service details.