Mary Alice Jones-Toler was born March 13, 1921 in Greenville, South Carolina to the late Julia Jones. She was an only child; as was her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She transitioned peacefully on November 1, 2009 at the home of her daughter in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Mary Alice was an incredibly intelligent, graceful and classy lady who; despite having not finished grammar school spoke flawless English, commanded a remarkable vocabulary and possessed deep wisdom she shared freely. In 1936, she met Johnnie Toler who was one of Newarks best dancers. They were married in 1937; a union that produced nine sons and three daughters. As a young wife and mother in the 1950s, she hosted a weekly meeting for teenage girls in her Baxter Terrace apartment. These meetings were Christian-centered and stressed meaningful lifestyles; such as sewing, baking, cooking and emphasized the importance of good character and wholesomeness. She became known as a woman who always provided a useful, positive image and was greatly respected. During the 1950s, she participated in walks for children with disabilities. In the 1960s, she brought the 4-H Clubs of New Jersey to the Stella Wright Housing Complex in Newark where flowers were planted to beautify the neighborhood. Such neighborhood contributions were commonplace and always well executed. Although she had a large family to care for, as well as her duties as a pastors wife, she managed to get it all done. She accompanied her husband to every service required of him, including Sunday morning and afternoon service, week night service, funerals, wakes, weddings, visiting the sick and a number of other church-related and social functions. Her husband could always depend on her to be by his side. When you saw Rev. Toler, you saw Sis. Toler. She was, in essence, the quintessential pastors wife and ultimate role model. Sis. Toler refused to accept the title first lady; because she did not want to be thought of as above or better than anyone. Sis. Toler would always say, I am a member of New Salem, who happens to be married to the pastor. She was always seen, but seldom heard; as she was not a front-row type of person. Instead, she preferred her usual seat in the very last pew. Sis. Toler was active in the Willing Workers Club, the Missionary Circle and the Floral Club at New Salem. As a very young lady, she and her mother were members of Thirteenth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Later, they were members of Providence Baptist Church where her husband was an Assistant Pastor. Sis. Toler was always the voice of reason, quiet and soft-spoken; yet firm and effective. She enjoyed going to yard sales, house sales and second-hand shops. She enjoyed going to St. Peters Thrift Shop in Roseland, NJ every Tuesday. She would often see items on the sidewalk and find use for them. She taught her children the skill of being savvy shoppers and made sure that they all knew how to cook, bake, sew, iron, and launder clothes. She taught her boys to do every conceivable household chore including hanging laundry on the clothes line even when the clothes would freeze while still in the laundry basket. Mary Toler was predeceased by her husband, Rev. J.L. Toler and four children, Myrna Toler, Karen Toler-Kirk, Kenneth Toler and Elder Gilbert Toler, Sr. She is survived by: six sons, John Jr., Richard, David, Norman, Calvin, Darrell and Kevin; one daughter, Anita Toler-Wynn; five daughters-in-law; one son-in-law; one brother in law, Henry Toler; forty-six grandchildren, sixty-two great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a beloved best friend, Mrs. Dorcas Minnick who was thought of as the sister she never had; and a host of other family and friends. To send a Life Tribute or Condolences to the Toler family, please click the "Sign Guestbook" link below.