By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
6 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, January 4, 2022

    9:00 am to 11:00 am

    Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

  • Service

    Tuesday, January 4, 2022

    11:00 am

    Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Willie E. Toles, 94, of Lebanon, IL, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021, at Cedar Ridge Nursing Home in Lebanon, IL.

    Willie was born February 16, 1927, to Elmer and Irene (nee Cooper) Toles, in Blackjack, IL. He married Mary Frances “Mae” Williams on November 20, 1975.

    He lived his whole life in the Lebanon area, locally known as “Lebanon’s Uncle”.  He was a hard worker, with his first job being at East Side Casting in E. St. Louis, IL.  For many years he worked as a farmer, and in transportation, driving trucks.  After he “retired”, he worked part-time as a custodian for the City of Lebanon.

    Willie was a man of deep faith and a Deacon at the Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL.  He was ordained at Second Baptist Church, Blackjack, before it moved and became Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.  He was the oldest living Deacon at his church.  Willie’s hobby was helping others; spending most of his free time doing what he could for anyone who asked and giving countless rides to people to go to the store, doctor’s appointments, or church.  He had many friends in the community who affectionately called him “Uncle Willie”.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Irene Toles; wife, Mary Frances "Mae" Toles; brother, Louis Toles.

    He survived by his nephew Roscoe Toles; niece Jackie (Marcus) White; nephew, Howard (Carolyn) Thomas; and a host of other nephews, nieces, community members and church friends.

    Visitation: Tuesday, January 4, 2022, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

    Funeral Service:  Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 11:00 am, Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

    Clergy: Rev. Dr. W. J. Griffin, Pastor

    Interment:  College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

6 Condolences
 
  1. Howard & Carolyn Thomas / December 27, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    We enjoyed watching the Fireman’sPicnic Parade in Uncle Willie’s front yard. He enjoyed making his yard available for this one time a year event with family and friends. And when the event was over, he would have to have his ice cream and apple pie from the concession stand. We will miss this time, but have those precious memories the rest of our lives. We love you Uncle Willie.
    Howard and Carolyn

  2. Robin Brownlee / December 27, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    My sincere condolences to the Willie Toles family. We have always considered him family and affectionately called him Uncle Willie. He was such a nice and considerate man. The Sexton family is going to truly miss his presence at all our family gatherings. You got your wings Uncle Willie❤!

  3. Lisa Carroll / December 27, 2021 at 8:29 pm

    You will be missed uncle Willie. We love you. Niece Lisa and Family.

  4. Willene and Scott Randolph / May 24, 2022 at 8:38 pm

    To Willie’s nephew Roscoe and all family members. My name is Willene (Mitchell) Randolph and my husband is Scott Randolph. We just learned of Willie’s passing and are deeply saddened. He was a dear friend all of my life…I was born in Lebanon and grew up there. Willie was special to our entire family..especially so to my late Aunt Merle Brooks. He spent countless hours taking her to and from various places..doctor’s appts, grocery store, etc. He never failed to respond when she needed assistance. We remain ever grateful and shall always remember his kind and loving ways. Mayhe rest in eternal peace.

  5. Minister Kenneth Sams / July 23, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    I miss My Dear Friend who taught me to Love the Right Way. I really miss His Laugh and I really enjoyed making Him Laugh. My wife Diane and I considered Him Family even though He was 30 years My Senior He often made sure that He respected me as a Minister of the Gospel while I was in Awe of Him as a Deacon. When He and I went to Churches in the Community He was Immediately recognized and praised Instead of basking in the praise He would instead introduce me as Minister Sams of Greater Mount Olive. I miss You Deacon Toles. I take solace in knowing that You don’t have to Suffer anymore more Beautiful Man.

  6. Sandra Yokley Simmons and Deborah Yokley Nance / September 27, 2022 at 9:43 pm

    My family and I are so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Willie Toles. My father, James Yokley, passed away in October 2005 and he and Mr. Willie were life long friends. Mr. Willie kept in touch with my mother, Bertha Yokley, and had talked to her as late as last year. My mother just passed last month and we were trying to contact Mr. Willie. Now that we know that he has gone on to heaven, we give our deepest condolences to his family. Mr. Toles was one of the nicest and kindest people that we’ve ever known. May his legacy of kindness and his love for the Lord live on with his relatives.

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