Obituary

Dr. Loretha “Toby” Earles, Celebrating her Life and Legacy…

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

                                                                                                                                 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Loretha “ Toby” Earles, in her 88^th year of life,  loved Christ, her family, pursuit of education, and a community servant, surrendered to the will of the Lord on Monday, April 15, 2024 at home in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her loving family near her side. In fact, she changed her earthly home address to her new home address in heaven.

 In Psalms 90:10 (NKJV), says, The days of our LIVES are SEVENTY YEARS; And if by reason of STRENGTH (GRACE), they are EIGHTY YEARS. I would say Loretha “ Toby” Earles was truly living on God’s STRENGTH and GRACE, as she reached 88+ PLUS YEARS. 

“Toby,” as she was affectionately called, grew up as a young girl in the small town of Red Bird, Oklahoma and spent most of her young years in Tulsa, Ok. She later moved west to further career and family life.

As a smart, witty young lady she excelled in high school and college. She was an avid reader, confessed the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age graduated from her small High School in Red Bird, Oklahoma.

With such a brilliant mind and desire to achieve in life, she became the first Black to graduate with a Degree in Nursing from the University of Tulsa in 1973. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Education Administration (1987). Because of her love for Christ and continued thirst to learn, coupled with her Christian upbringing, she went on to achieve a Doctorate of Christian Education (2002) from Andersonville Theological Seminary.

She was an elite, beautiful, and intelligent woman and truly a Woman of God. God first, family next. She taught her children to love and trust in God, the importance of a dollar, and how to discipline themselves. When it came to education, she was very serious and would help in any way. We love her so much. We pray she can finally rest and take her seat on your throne as she enters the Gates of Heaven.

Her motto in life was the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She would also often say, “If I can’t help you, I surely won’t hurt you.” She would also say, “If I Am Not for Myself, Who Then Will Be? If I Am for Myself Alone, Who Am I?”

She was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for 41 years and a charter member of the Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (the First four-letter chapter for the entire organization), and many other organizations until her health failed.

She was the CEO and founder of Kerrell June Educational Consortium (KJT), Summerimdity, Las Angeles, California,  and President of the Board of Christian Education, Morning Star Baptist Church. She was also recognized as a Community Living Legend by  Morning Star Baptist Church.

Toby is the mother of four children: Angelia “Jan,” Elbor Jr., Mac, Darrell, DMAC, and LaDonna“ Joi.” Before her passing, there were five living generations.

Visitation for our Mom, Grandmother, and Friend, Mrs. Earles, will be held on Friday, April 26, from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.

Her Farewell Tribute will commence on Saturday, April 27, 11:00 a.m., at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1014 East Pine Street, Tulsa, OK 74106.