Ezell (Smarr) Tolbert

Ezell Tolbert, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully entered into the arms of her all-wise and all-knowing God on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Levine & Dickson Southminster Hospice House in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born on September 27, 1951, in York, South Carolina, to the late Jeff Smarr, Sr. and Frances Smarr.

Ezell was lovingly nurtured by her family, and her eldest sister, Mary Gill, who played a significant role in her life. Ezell, in turn, carried that same nurturing spirit throughout her life—becoming a guiding light and second mother to many of her nieces and nephews. She held a particularly special bond with her sister, Columbia Oglesby, whom she loved and cared for like her very own child.

Ezell had a deep love for family, faith, and simple joys. A woman of strong conviction and devotion, she read her Bible faithfully each day. She found peace and joy in gardening, planting flowers, and spending time outdoors. Known for her fierce loyalty, she was a proud and passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers—never missing a chance to cheer on her team. Ezell accepted Christ at an early age and remained rooted in her faith, becoming a devoted member of Freedom Temple Ministries.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Tolbert, Jr.; her daughter, Emma Lee Osborne; her parents, Jeff Smarr, Sr. and Frances Thompson Smarr; her brothers, Johnnie Thompson, Jeff Smarr, Jr., Robert Lee Smarr, and Douglas Smarr; and her sisters, Evelyn Smarr Wilson and Terrilyn Carter.

Throughout her transition, Ezell was lovingly cared for each day by her devoted sister, Elizabeth Miller, whose compassion, strength, and presence brought comfort, peace, and dignity to Ezell’s final days. Their sisterly bond was a powerful testament to unconditional love and family devotion. Ezell's legacy of love, strength, and service lives on through her children: Arthur June (Angela Nance) of Clover, SC, Anthony June (Renee Robinson), Angel Tolbert, and Emily Bankhead of York, SC, and Keith June and Shanterrica Hall (Robert Hall, Jr.) of Rock Hill, SC. She was also a proud mother figure to her three adopted sons: Scott Gill and Taurus Cannon of Rock Hill, SC, and Tony Collins of York, SC. Her life and love continue in the hearts of her fourteen grandchildren: Paris Lipcomb, Antonio Sanders, Jermaine Bankhead, Laquida Osborne, Jaquisha Bankhead, Desmond Cunningham, Marreo Osborne, D’Nique Gregory, Twanquavious Tolbert, Deontray Osborne, Kylek Hall, Kamal Newson, Malik Tolbert, and Lyric Hall, along with her cherished adopted granddaughter, Nevaeh Cannon. Ezell is also remembered with deep love by her eight siblings: Mary Gill, Juanita Glover, Annette Adams, Richard Smarr, Elizabeth Miller (John Miller), Jennifer Smarr-Jenkins, all of Rock Hill, SC; Columbia Oglesby (Ronnie Oglesby) of Clover, SC; and Deloris Orr (John Orr) of McConnells, SC; a special sister-in-law, Ianthanette Thompson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends.

Her radiant spirit, kind heart, and enduring faith left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Ezell’s love was a constant presence—strong, selfless, and unconditional. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life for Ezell Tolbert will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Freedom Temple Ministries in Rock Hill, SC. A quiet hour of reflection will be observed at 2:00 PM, prior to the start of the service. Pastor Robert Capers will officiate, and Pastor William Thompson will deliver the eulogy.

The family will also receive friends at the home—810 Horseman Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29730—from Monday, July 7 through Friday, July 11, between the hours of 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Interment will follow immediately after the Celebration of Life at Galilee Baptist Church Cemetery in York, SC, as we lay Ezell to rest with honor, love, and lasting remembrance.

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