Melba Ernestine Mcwilliams Tolar

Melba Ernestine McWilliams Tolar, age 97, of Atlanta, died on Thursday, April 28, 2011. A native Atlantan, she was the daughter of the late Mary Artimesa (David) and Thomas Ernest McWilliams. Born on January 6, 1914 at home in East Atlanta, she moved with her family about ten years later into the home on Hemlock Circle where she lived until she died. This house was designed by her mother. During the Depression, the family lost the house, but bought it back shortly thereafter. Melba attended John B. Gordon Elementary School, Hoke Smith Junior High School, and Girls High School. In 1931, she married Herbert Murphy Tolar. When her husband volunteered for the Navy at the outbreak of World War II, Mrs. Tolar went to work for the federal government. From 1942 until 1972, she was employed as a traffic manager at Dobbins Air Force Base and Fort Gillem, and she received numerous commendations and awards during her 30-year service.  

Melba, affectionately called Mimi by her family, had an easy, beautiful smile and laugh. An elegant, glamorous lady with a flair for design, she enjoyed gardening and interior decorating, and she designed and sewed clothing for herself and her daughter. She loved cats, and she was passionate about the restoration of Sylvester Cemetery. Over the years, she cared for many family members in her home which was the scene for countless family gatherings.    

Mrs. Tolar was predeceased by her husband Herbert Tolar, her brother Jack McWilliams, her sister Emma McWilliams Swafford and her son Murphy Tolar. Surviving are daughter Mary Frances Banks, son and daughter-in-law John E. (Jack) and Pat Tolar; grandchildren and their spouses Kathleen (Banks) and Ron Everett, David and Marty Banks, John and Leah Tolar, Chase and Blanca Tolar, Shane Laurenson (Lance Tolar); 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.      

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 7th at 2:00 pm at Sylvester Cemetery, 2073 Braeburn Circle, SE, Atlanta GA 30316.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sylvester Cemetery Foundation, P. O. Box 17555, Atlanta, GA 30316.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033