Sunrise: January 12, 1934 Sunset: October 27, 2025
Visitation: Friday, November 07, 2025, 3 pm to 6 pm
Service: Saturday, November 08, 2025, at 11 am GALILEE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
240 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive | Caldwell, Texas 77836
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 I watch you while you sleep in your bed at home, I hear you when you speak to me. When you’re on your own. You cannot understand. The reason why I have gone but I will never leave you. I’m always there to keep you strong.
Talk to me, I hear you. Though you may not see, we share an unbroken bond. That will always be. Death won’t keep us apart. For our love is forever. Just remember me in your heart. And one day we will be together. Live your life and live it fully. Don’t waste a single day. Remember, I’m always with you every step of the way.
On January 12, 1934, in Caldwell, Texas, Iness Tolbert was born to the loving union of Oscar Tolbert Sr. and Zula B. Lucas Richmond Tolbert. Affectionately known as “Sugar” or (“Suga’”), she was the seventh of fourteen children in a close-knit family. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. While Galilee remained her home church, she later attended New Hope Baptist Church faithfully until her passing. Iness graduated from Freeman High School in 1951, where she excelled in track and basketball. Her passion for athletics continued throughout her life as she enthusiastically watched football and basketball at every opportunity.
She was a strong, determined woman of faith who always gave her best to her family and cherished every moment shared. On Monday, October 27, 2025, Iness peacefully transitioned from earth to glory. Iness was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Sr. and Zula Tolbert, brothers, James
“Buster” Richmond, Joe Willie Richmond, Jack Orlean Tolbert, Willie L. Tolbert, James R. Lucas, Robert L. Lucas, and Oscar Tolbert Jr.; sisters, Edna Mae Jones, Emma Jean Tolbert Nutall, Roberta Tolbert Pinkard, Bessie R. Smith, and Maggie L. Richmond Young; and daughter-in-love, Venda Arnette Tolbert. Cherishing her memory are her devoted daughter, Sharon Maxie of Caldwell, Texas; loving son, Dexter Tolbert of Temple, Texas; and faithful daughter, Muriel (Clinton) Daniels of Pflugerville, Texas.
She also leaves to celebrate her legacy seven grandchildren — LaToya Tolbert, Dexter (Kenitra)Tolbert Jr., DeMetria Tolbert, Caleb Tolbert, Ariel Maxie, April Daniels, and Quinton(Amanda) Daniels — a host of great-grandchildren, one sister, Zula Ellis of Caldwell, TX, and a niece, Jerline Parker, who was raised alongside the siblings. She will be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Pray for the family that God will never leave you are forsake you
You ran a good race Sister Iness I’m so glad I got to talk to you before you Left to be with the Lord Love you Sister.