Melva Jean Tolbert

July 27th, 1957 - January 30th, 2025

Melva Jean Tolbert, 67, of Lorain, OH passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, at Mercy Hospital following a lengthy illness. She was born on July 27th, 1957, the second of three girls, born to Wanda (nee Reed) and Frank Leath in Phoenix, AZ. A lifelong Lorain resident, she attended Lorain City Schools and graduated from Southview High School. Melva is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where she received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree from Cleveland State University in urban planning.

Melva’s dedication to public service and her passion for improving outcomes for marginalized communities defined her distinguished career across both the public and private sectors. Her diverse career includes being a juvenile counselor, seven years in Lorain’s Community Development Department overseeing federal and state programs, and fourteen years as Executive Director of New Sunrise Properties, where she led initiatives to expand access to high-quality, affordable housing throughout Lorain County.

Melva was a devoted church member, serving in multiple leadership roles, including as a Sunday School teacher and Lay Leader at her longtime church homes, Asbury United Methodist and Garfield Memorial Church. She was also a history enthusiast and traveler, who enjoyed hobbies such as reading historical nonfiction, volunteering and writing guest blogs for the Oberlin Heritage Center, and visiting historically Black colleges and universities throughout the South. She loved traveling to both familiar destinations and international locations, always eager to explore local sights, food, and customs—traits she passed on to her travel-loving daughter. Additionally, she was a proud member of the Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Melva was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Wanda Leath, and her husband, Jerry Tolbert.

Melva is survived by her daughter, Jessica (Justin) Lamb of New Orleans, LA; her sisters, Victoria Leath of Lorain, OH, and Frances Leath of Indianapolis, IN; her nephews, Marlon Leath of Lorain, OH, and Michael Dupakoski of Fairview Park, OH; her nieces, Angela Leath of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Jasmine Leath of Indianapolis, IN; as well as her grandnieces and nephew, Hannah Leath of Akron, OH, Jacob Leath of Columbus, OH, and Olivia Leath of Elyria, OH, along with extended family and longtime friends.

In lieu of a memorial service, family and friends are encouraged to honor Melva's life and legacy by making contributions to a historically Black college or university (HBCU) of their choice in her memory.

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.