CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF LEWIS TOLBERT

Lewis Tolbert was born on February 8, 1960, in Chicago, IL. He sadly passed away on March 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born the fourth son of his parents. Always willing to give and share, he was endeared growing up alongside his brothers in Robbins, IL. After graduating from high school, he went on to study Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Lewis later married his high school sweetheart, Anita. Though the marriage was not permanent, they remained close. Their union welcomed three daughters, Kenya, Kimberley, and Kelly and later welcomed the youngest to their fold, Julian, thereby blending their families with consistent love and devotion. Lewis played a special role in his children's lives from braiding hair and helping with school projects to sharing his love for thrifting, fishing and working on cars.

From his mother, he learned to value education, the importance of work ethic, and an appreciation for God. From his father he learned essential skills that inspired his lifelong pursuit of mastering many trades. Due to his developed commitment and drive, Lewis became a restaurant manager of two of the top-grossing McDonald's franchises in the Chicagoland region. In addition, he and his brothers established a successful company that serviced Chicago high-rise properties, and opened the way for other similar minority owned businesses. He took pride in his accomplishments, viewing them as a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Injuries sustained in a scaffolding accident and a serious burn injury plagued him with many health challenges through the rest of his life. In his final years, he deeply contemplated his faith and pursued studying the Bible. His faith coupled with his endurance gave him what he needed to fight through the health challenges that he eventually succumbed to. Fondly remembered for his mischievous sense of humor and his big heart he will be missed dearly.

Lewis leaves behind many to cherish his memory: his dear children; his loving mother; his ten siblings; his seven grandchildren, his beloved aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. His father and his brother preceded him in death.

Cremation services will be performed by Caring Cremations.

A brief memorial service organized by his children will be held at Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 N Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064 on March 28, 2024, at 11am.