Elder Otis Tolbert Jr.

Otis Tolbert, Jr. was born on February 13, 1936 in Lee County, Alabama, to the late Ella Mae Tolbert and Otis Tolbert, Sr. He departed this earthly life on March 17, 2025 at his residence, with family by his side. He leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Mary Strickland. His brothers, Willie B. Tolbert and Henry L. Tolbert and sister, Ella Vesta McDay gained their wings before him.

Otis moved to Cleveland in 1949, where he worked at the Daily Juice Factory. He married in 1954. Out of this union were born Quinzella Tolbert (Vincent) McCall, Regina Tolbert-Williams, Linda Tolbert, Rico (Andrea) Tolbert and Tracey Tolbert (Millard) Brown and

After moving to Cincinnati, Otis attended The Holy House of the Living God, where he received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus' name. He later attended the First Pentecostal Church of Blue Ash and Greater Emanuel Apostolic Church, prior to founding The Gethsemane Apostolic Church in 2006, which was filled with love and sound doctrine.

Otis was united in Holy Matrimony to his beloved wife, Margaret D. Howard on January 29, 1966 and they shared a remarkable 59 years together. Otis and Margaret had their baby girl Otia R. Tolbert in 1980, completing their family.

He also leaves to cherish his memories: daughters, Deborah Maxberry and Erika Tye; 16 grandchildren, 50 great-grand-children and a host of great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends of which there are too many to name.

Otis was one of those people with a very big heart. No matter where you were, he loved to make you laugh. He would have you cracking up and smiling before you left his company. His favorite pastimes included fishing, blazin' the grill and shopping for antiques. He was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds. He will forever be in our hearts.

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