Gail H Tolbert

Gail Hattie Tolbert was born December 16, 1955 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the eldest of the union of the late Ernest and Bertha Tolbert.
Gail, also fondly known as “Chinky” was educated in the Philadelphia School System. In 1972 while attending Olney High School, Gail met Joseph Oliver at Cornerstone Baptist
Church while singing on the choir.The year of 1973 began a new and exciting chapter for Gail- in June she graduated Olney High School and September she and Joseph married and from their love and union over the next few years Shani Halima and Joseph Lee were born. The family moved to Pleasantville, New Jersey and resided for several years. Upon moving back to Philadelphia, Gail started her professional career as a clerk for the City of Philadelphia, but found fulfillment to serve the elderly and her community at large. Gail then became an In-Home Care Administrator for Fox Boarding Home while also serving as an elected Committee Person for the Fern Rock Community (Philadelphia). During that chapter of Gail’s life she met her significant other- Richard Carter and from that union Shakeeta Antionette was born. Gail loved her community and was instrumental in bringing resources to the residents by way of food drives and services which benefited families greatly. She worked tirelessly to help establish the first Fern Rock Community Day which still continues to this day. She was also a very visible influence in encouraging voter registration for the campaign election of then candidate, turned Mayor Edward Rendell in 1992. Moving to the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia –Gail stayed true to her calling to serve as a community advocate- she served on the Board of the West Oak Lane CDCC, and continued with caring for the elderly. Gail, at that time a member of Rehoboth Temple
COGIC worked for and with the Seniors of the ministry to assist with services, resources and fellowship gathering and recognition services. Gail also worked in her family’s home care
business – Tolbert-Famble Home Health Care for several years until she moved to Dover, Delaware in 2005. Even in relocating, Gail kept the momentum for her love and dedication for the community and its residents. She served on an Advisory Committee for the Dover Housing Authority for several years as well as a community advocate for the Kent County Levy Court. She served in every election as a Poll Worker. Gail also began a summer food program for the Youth in her WhiteOak Community. “Mom-Mom” as she was affectionately called by many of the kids in the community then decided to continue her work in the Towne Point Elementary School as a Foster Grandparent for the Kindergarten classes until her health began to fail. “Mom-Mom” was loved by the students, teachers and administration alike, and she had a special love for the kids and all who she worked with. In 2016, this life chapter for Gail was met with many health challenges in which she moved to Richmond, Virginia. But God saw in his infinite wisdom to extend Gail’s time to allow for healing and mending physically, spiritually as well as relationally. Gail was able to spend quality time and loving time with her Mother- Bertha before her passing on July 5, 2017. Gail attended the Circle Center Adult Day Services (which she named her Social Club)in Richmond, Virginia where she was met with love and true bonds of friendship. Gail also found joy, peace and belonging as a member of From the Heart Ministries in Richmond, VA.
 

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