Louise Jones Tollison

Louise Jones Tollison died at home on July 19, 2022.  She had earlier shared with her children that her heart was filled with humility, gratitude, and love for the “gifts” that marked her 99-year- long life.  Married to Wade Arthur Tollison of Easley, who predeceased her in December 1967, she was attended at the time of death by their three children:  Joseph Wade Tollison of Evans, Georgia, Ellen Tollison Hayden of Columbia, and Charles David Tollison of Greenville.    Born February 26, 1923, in Henderson County, North Carolina, to the late Lula E. Osteen Jones and Jerry M. Jones, her love of Nature was ingrained during her formative years growing up in the beauty of the mountain ranges.  She will be remembered by those who knew her well as the woman who, literally and figuratively, “planted a flower where a weed once grew.”

Louise was the grandmother of four:  Joseph W. Tollison, Jr., Julie E. Tollison, Courtney L. Tollison Hartness, and C. David Tollison, Jr.  She also was fortunate to witness her legacy grow with six great-grandchildren.   Predeceased by her devoted daughter and son- in-laws, Betty B. Tollison and Walter E. Hayden, she is survived by a beloved daughter-in-law (or as she expressed it, “daughter-in-love”) Linda S. Tollison. The youngest sister/friend from among Louise’s siblings, Marjorie J. Blackwell, survives her. 

Married in the First Baptist Church of Easley parsonage and later baptized, she was a faithful member for over 80 years-actively involving the church in the rearing of her three children and remaining active until her health prevented.   Gratitude is expressed to the leadership of the church, The Reverend Dr. John Adams with whom she shared a common deep faith and Minister of Music Director Rick Baumgarner, whom she viewed, after benefiting from his over forty years of music ministry, to be “one of her own.” Appreciation is further extended to the many individual members, including her Sunday School Philathea Class, for their thoughtful, consistent support throughout the years of her being homebound.

The family also is deeply indebted to countless other friends with whom she had crossed Life-Paths for keeping her connected to the world outside her home in personally distinctive and unique ways, including intercessory prayers.  The steadfast attention of Steven Freeman, MD, her longtime physician, who loyally cared for her to the end, will always be remembered.  The family also wishes to acknowledge the support of caregivers throughout the years with special gratitude to the final team who served at the most critical time.

 The children and grandchildren will gather to honor the life of their matriarch with a service of celebration and thanksgiving at Easley First Baptist Church at 11 o’clock on Saturday morning, July 23, 2022, in The Music Suite-- a small preserved portion of the former sanctuary where she and her family worshipped.   Anyone who wishes to join the family is warmly welcomed.    (Guides will be positioned for persons requiring directions.)  A time expressly set for visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45. A private graveside final committal will take place later in the afternoon.

 If anyone desires guidance in choosing a memorial, the family offers a program near to Louise ‘s heart: the Support Fund for Local Children and Youth in Need, overseen by Easley First Baptist Church, 300 East 1st Avenue Easley, SC   29640 ATTN:  Dr. John Adams. 

“…She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…”-PROVERBS 31