Helen J Tolar

Our beloved Helen J. Tolar was born in Glendora Mississippi on November 23, 1946, to her loving parents Elease and Casey Tolar who preceded her in death but left her with love for God and others and wisdom to help her develop into the beautiful, caring woman that she was. Always ready and willing to help others. Helen was also known for her incredible cooking, whipping up a delicious meal for her family was something she loved to do! But it was much more than just coming together for dinner at her table; they were moments of togetherness, laughter, and cherished memories. Helen was the third of nine siblings five of which preceded her in death: Rudolph Tolar, Casey Tolar Jr., James Tolar, Odessa Stribling, and Marylin Tolar. She has three sisters: Barbara Taylor (Grant), Mildred Jefferson (John), Elease Tolar (Sam) who continue to embrace her legacy.

Helen moved to Chicago at an early age. She attended Parkman Grammar School and went on to graduate from C.V.S Highschool and began her Nursing career shortly thereafter at Dawson Skill Center. Where she received her L.P.N credentials and was honored to graduate at the top of her class. As Helen was striving for greatness, she met the love of her life Erias Harris Jr. who preceded her in death. They had a beautiful, blended family of four children: Nathaniel Tolar (NaToya), Warren Tolar who preceded her in death (Kathy), Cheryl Taylor (Herb), Karen Woods (William). Grandchildren: Terrance Johnson (Letheda), Nathaniel Delafosse (Arica), Artaveria Prince, Dominique Delafosse (Brii), Antonio Prince, Arieal Prince (Devon), Mercedes Woods, William Woods Jr. John Fleming, Alexis Woods, Brandon Tolar and a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Too many to name them all, but she knew and loved each and everyone of them and had a special relationship with each one. Helen furthered her education at Kennedy-king College where she received her master’s degree in nursing also graduating top of her class. Helen moved on to begin her career in Nursing at St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital and after forty years of faithful service she retired.

SHE WILL TRULY BE MISSED!