Ouida Sprye Tolbert
January 19, 1927 ~ October 19, 2025
Born in:
Albany, Georgia
Resided in:
Jefferson City, Missouri
Ouida Eileen Sprye Tolbert, 98, of Jefferson City, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family.
Born in Albany, Georgia, on January 19, 1927, to Edward Ezekiel and Carrie Mae (Hart) Sprye, Ouida excelled in school and graduated at the age of 16 from Madison High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in English with highest honors from Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, in 1947, and her Master of English Education degree from New York University in 1950.
In 1950, Ouida moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, and began a life and career that touched many generations. She taught English, French, speech and drama at Lincoln Laboratory High School from 1950 to 1961. From 1962 to 1966, she was the secretary for the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. She returned to Lincoln University in 1974 as an Assistant Professor of English, from which she retired in 1993. She is fondly remembered by former students for her loving yet deliberate teachings not just in the subject matter at hand, but also in life lessons. In her later years, she was Lincoln University’s living history, and the front yard of her Lafayette Street home was the place to celebrate her and the university’s annual Homecoming parade.
An educator by trade, she met her love match on Lincoln University’s campus in 1951– fellow beloved LU professor, Mr. Donald R. Tolbert. After years of courtship, they were married on September 2, 1961, and their love story continued. In 1966, they then welcomed their daughter Carol Yvette and Ouida cherished her role as a devoted wife and homemaker until returning to her teaching career.
Ouida’s gentle spirit was deeply rooted in faith and service. She was an active member of Second Baptist Church, serving as a member of the Trustee Board, the senior adult ministry, and the archives committee. She was also a member of the Association of Retired Missouri State Employees and Women in Development. In addition to being an active member of these organizations, Mrs. Tolbert was most proud of being a Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. After being initiated into the Zeta Chapter on Wilberforce’s campus in 1946, she went on to become a graduate member of the Gamma Epsilon Omega Chapter in Jefferson City. Upon completing 75 years of service to all mankind, Ouida became a Diamond member of her beloved sorority in 2021.
A true lover and supporter of the arts, Mrs. Tolbert helped pioneer The Footlighters Drama Club at Lincoln Laboratory High School, which provided a place for future Blue Tigers and many Jefferson City drama lovers to hone their creative speaking and presentation skills. You could always find Ouida alongside the other two members of their self-proclaimed ‘Mature Citizen Posse’ (Ms.Faye Tull Carter & Mrs.Georgia Cureton) being a familiar face in the audience of almost every LU choir and band performance. Her passion for fine arts also led her to be an avid supporter of Jefferson City community plays, concerts, and everything in between.
Known to many as the inseparable trio who enjoyed dancing & traveling together, she is survived by her daughter, Carol Tolbert Beavers, and her granddaughter, Zoë J. Beavers, as well as a host of extended family members and students who carried her in their hearts long after they left her classroom.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and an infant daughter.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. Additional visitation will be 9:00-10:30 a.m. Monday, November 3, at Second Baptist Church.
A sorority service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Second Baptist Church followed by her Homegoing Service at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. W.T. Edmonson.
Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to The 62nd & 65th Regiments Legacy Foundation, Inc. RE: Fund 349 – The Donald R. and Ouida Sprye Tolbert Memorial Endowment
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
Broadcast Date:
Services
Visitation: Sunday, November 2, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Trimble Funeral Homes
3210 North Ten Mile Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Visitation: Monday, November 3, 2025 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Second Baptist Church
501 Monroe Street
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
Sorority Service: Monday, November 3, 2025 10:30 am
Second Baptist Church
501 Monroe Street
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
Homegoing Service : Monday, November 3, 2025 11:00 am
Second Baptist Church
501 Monroe Street
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
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I remember Mrs. Tolbert fondly from my days as an English major at Lincoln University. There are teachers who stay with you for years after your formal education has ended. Mrs. Tolbert was one of a group of LU teachers who have stayed with me, and I continue to carry in my heart. Her memory will always be a blessing.
(Only one person is missing, and the whole world seems empty.)Mrs. Tolbert was a neighbor par excellence: kind, gentle, wise, and loving. She delighted in the accomplishments of others. She was very humble about her own achievements. Her love for Mr. Tolbert was as deep and wide as an ocean. “He chased me until I caught him, ” she used to chuckle. I send my sincere condolences to the Carol, Zoe, and family and friends. May God console you at this difficult time.
While instructing me in class at Lincoln University, she told me, “Jim, do it the lazy man’s way… do it right the first time and then you don’t have to do it twice.”
I still repeat that line often to myself and to others.
Once, she told me how proud she was of her name. She told me, “my daddy named me.”
Ouida (sounds like weeda).
I don’t know when exactly I did meet Ouida, but over the years I have had dozens of interactions with her and she was always lovely, charming and gracious and always with a smile. It was always such a pleasure to talk to her. She will certainly be missed by so many. May she receive the eternal peace and rest she richly deserves.
I extend my condolences to her family and friends.
I got the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Quida Tolbert at Dr. Tim Rieke’s Office. She was always such a joy
and a sweet lady as well. I also met her daughter Carol along with the granddaughter Zoe.
Mrs. Quida Tolbert loved those 2 like no other. I always enjoyed listening to her talk and laugh.
Sorry for your Carol and Zoe. Hugs and Prayers and you go through this difficult time.
Donna Hayden
My deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful and kind mother, Mrs. Tolbert. She was my AKA sister from Gamma Epsilon Omega Chapter, and she truly showed grace, kindness, and strength. Her light touched everyone around her. She will be deeply missed, but I know she’s resting peacefully in God’s loving arms. Thank you, Mrs. Tolbert , for the love and light you gave so freely. With love, your AKA sister, Lisa
Love You and Zoe
So sorry to hear of Mom’s passing. She was indeed a great person. May she R.I.H…Prayers going up to the family.