Richard Jolla, Sr.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25-26

Brother Richard Jolla, Sr. was born on August 14, 1942, in Woodville, Mississippi to the late Henry P. Jolla and Elnora Blakes Jolla. He departed this life at his home on Thursday, December 18, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and eldest daughter.

Richard was baptized at a young age at St. Matthew Baptist Church under the guidance of the late Reverend Allen Scott. Later in life, he became a member of Oakland Baptist Church. There, he worshipped under the leadership of Reverend Charles Hurst, Sr., continuing his active participation until precluded by serious health challenges.

Richard was a graduate of Wilkinson County Training School, Class of 1962 and Natchez College where he received an associate degree.

On December 31, 1962, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Everlean Tolliver. They had three children and raised a niece.

During his early career, he drove school buses while attending school and later worked at Venus Gardens as a butcher. He retired as a bus operator for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority.

Richard love for fishing earned him the nickname "Fishman”. Whether he knew you or not, if you wanted to go fishing, you had a fishing buddy. Due to his outstanding fishing skills and generous spirit, he shared his catches freely with family and friends. For every gathering, everyone knew Richard would be bringing the ice chest full of all types of fish, frying oil and skillets. He would swell with pride and have a big smile on his face as everyone complimented his cooking skills. Not only was he an excellent fisherman and cook, he was highly competitive in playing cards, checkers and dominoes (his specialty was cheating).

Richard leaves to cherish his memories: His loving and devoted wife, Everlean T. Jolla; one son, Richard Jolla, Sr. (Brenda) of Centreville, MS; two daughters, Deborah L. Jolla of New Orleans and Cynthia Jolla-Jarvis (Burnell) of Centreville, MS; two grandchildren, KezyiahS. Jolla of New Orleans, LA and Taylor A. Robinson of Houston, TX; one bonus granddaughter, Kalesha C. Mattire (Reginald) and one bonus great-granddaughter Jon’nasia Carter, both of Doloroso, MS; a special niece, Gail Ann Tolliver-Turner (Willie Lane) of Covington, LA; four godchildren, Edmond Bacchus, III, Demond W. Bacchus, Marquita Bacchus-Taylor (Roy) and Samantha Minor; two sisters, Maggie Wells (Melvin) of Gonzales, LA and Neomi Ramsey of Seattle, WA; two brothers-in-law, Earnest Tolliver of Woodville, MS and Vernon Sanders of Baton Rouge, LA; a special friend like a brother, Johnny Wilson of New Orleans, LA, along with his nieces, nephews, family, friends, fishing buddies, and wonderful neighbors of Means Avenue.

He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, three grandchildren, eight sisters, five brothers, and other beloved family members.