Jo Ellen (Kelley) Tolliver

Mrs. Jo Ellen Tolliver, age 87, passed away at her home in Statesboro on Friday, December 23, 2022. Jo Ellen, with her husband, came to Statesboro from Indian Harbor Beach, Florida in 2006. When she visited St. Matthew Catholic Church, she knew Statesboro was where God wanted her to be.

Jo Ellen was a devout Catholic living a life filled with daily Mass and many hours dedicated to daily prayer. She was very active at her beloved St. Matthew’s where she touched many lives.  Jo Ellen greeted many newcomers to St. Matthew’s where she served on the welcoming committee for many years. She was also instrumental in forming the Consolation Ministry. Over the years, Jo Ellen was honored to take Holy Communion to many homebound parishioners. Jo Ellen loved people and she loved Jesus, therefore, serving others in his name was a joy. As a result of this joy, Jo Ellen was awarded the Gartland Award, the highest honor a Catholic layperson can receive in the Diocese of Savannah.

Jo Ellen met “Charlie” Tolliver, her neighbor, in Lexington, Kentucky and married on July 11, 1958. They spent 59 fun years together buying and selling antiques and raising three rambunctious children. Together, they volunteered at the Salvation Army where Jo Ellen gained valuable experience. For sixteen years, she was able to use that experience to help in the thrift store operated by Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indian Harbor Beach, Florida. While in Indian Harbor Beach, Jo Ellen in her usual fashion touched many lives through some of the same ministries she served in while at St. Matthew.

Jo Ellen was predeceased by her parents and one sister, along, with her son, Mark.  Charlie, her husband, died February 13, 2017.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca of Nantucket, and her son, John of West Palm Beach, Florida; her sister, Patricia Jackson of Cocoa Beach, Florida and her brother, Frank and his wife, Lona Kelley of Lexington, Kentucky along with many beloved cousins.

A Memorial Mass is planned for January 21st at 2:00 PM, with a Rosary Service to follow the Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church.