Mrs. Pat (Whelchel) Tolbert

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Mrs. Pat Whelchel Tolbert, age 96 of Athens, Georgia (South Jackson Community).  

Born Willie Mae Whelchel in Dawsonville, Georgia a daughter of the late John Gordon Whelchel and the late Martha Rilla Rives Whelchel.  Mrs. Tolbert went home to be with Jesus on Friday, September 26, 2025. 

Mrs. Tolbert grew up in Dawsonville, Georgia and graduated from Dawsonville High School.  Following graduation, she moved to Atlanta and started her 40 year career as a telephone operator with Southern Bell and AT&T. While in Atlanta, Mrs. Tolbert met and married the love of her life, L.W. Tolbert. They settled in Athens, Georgia where they started their family and raised their three children.  

As a young wife and mother, Mrs. Tolbert enjoyed gardening, baking her famous yeast rolls, weekend trips to the lake, and spending time with her extended family. Always willing to try something new, Mrs. Tolbert took up painting after retirement and shared her artwork with those around her.  

Mrs. Tolbert was a long time active member of Prospect United Methodist Church. She kept her family involved in the church and growing in their faith and loved writing notes to members who were sick or needed encouragement.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Tolbert is preceded by her husband, L.W. Tolbert and infant son, Ricky Tolbert.

Survivors include two sons, Larry Tolbert (Tammy) of Jefferson and Greg Tolbert of Athens. A daughter, Sherry Minish (Tracy) of Houston, Texas. Five grandchildren, Pamela Tolbert, Tyler Minish, Carson Minish, Chase Minish, and Hannah Tolbert.  Great grandchildren, Hank Minish, Georgia Minish, Lucy Minish, Truman Minish, and Gracie Minish.  Special friends Nate Sanders and Linda Owens also survive.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 Saturday, October 4, 2025 from the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Reverend Shane Moore and Reverend Steve Haskel officiating with burial to follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Athens, Georgia.  The family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday, October 3, 2025 at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mrs. Pat Whelchel Tolbert to the Prospect Church Cemetery Association, Inc., P.O. Box 81667, Athens, Georgia  30608.

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.  706-367-5467      

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

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