Vernon Jay Tolbert

Vernon Jay Tolbert, affectionately known as Vern, passed away suddenly on May 28, 2025 at the age of 84. Vernon was born on July 7, 1940, in Augusta, GA to Thomas Tolbert and Viola Wagner who both preceded him in death. He had three siblings, Thomas Tolbert, Cynthia Carswell and Wardell Williams who also preceded him in death. He found Christ, was baptized and became a long-time member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. Vernon’s priority was always focused on his family. He met his childhood sweetheart, Elaine Simpkins as a teenager. They married right out of high school on April 7, 1959 and to this union they had three children, Andria Brand, Vernon Thomas Tolbert Jr. and Lillian Tolbert. He later met Phyllis Doss and welcomed his daughter Terri Doss. His son known to all as Nico preceded him in death, but was his pride and joy and partner in crime. Vernon took his role as Grandpa very seriously, showering his grandchildren with the same love and care he bestowed upon his children. He is survived by his grandchildren Vernon Thomas Tolbert III, Kaila Albert, Takira Pritchett (Wallace), Vernton Smith, Denzel Brand, Jacques Tatum Morris, Arin Morris and Nyzier Morris, honorary grandchildren (Desiree, LaTriece, Timothy and Reginald), great grandchildren (Vernon IV, Taylah, Zyon, Terrance, Brooklyn, Logan, Maddox, Aubrey and Kyndal) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He spent quality time and many special moments with his nephew Thomas Vernon Tolbert Jr. and his friend and colleague Esther Boyd.

Vernon proceeded through the Cleveland School System beginning his academic journey at Woodridge Elementary School moving to Kennard Junior High School and graduating from East Technical High School in June, 1958. After high school he joined the United States Air Force. After serving four years, he came home and held several jobs including working at Toy company and AAA. He later landed a position as a truck driver for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. As an employee there he noticed discrimination against minority workers. He fought for equal rights and eventually started a strike due to minority workers not being chosen to drive new trucks that had been purchased by the company. This strike caused him to be terminated. Once terminated, he began his college career graduating from the University of Akron with his teaching degree and received his Master’s degree from Cleveland State University. He was employed by the East Cleveland City School District and worked at Shaw High School as an English teacher for over 30 years before retiring. He served as a role model to many students who to this day, attribute their success in life to his teachings. He will forever be remembered as a favorite teacher and baseball coach to many students who articulated through the East Cleveland School System. Vernon had many interests and hobbies.

He was an avid softball and baseball player from a young age participating on many teams. He also had a love for reading and could be found frequently visiting the Cleveland Public Library. Vernon enjoyed spending time at Thistledown, even soliciting the participation of his kids and grandkids. Among his many talents and achievements in the East Cleveland City Schools was his love for teaching his students how to write and how to dress to impress as a first impression. He wore only suits and ties during his tenure as a teacher. He was a strong union advocate and served as President of the East Cleveland Education Association for many years. He will forever be remembered for spending his last five years making sure that everyone he met did not go without. He was especially proud of his ability to help anyone in need and before any of his children or grandchildren could think about wanting something he had an envelope with their names on it specifying the monies that were inside. This made him happy until his last days.

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