Our angel Mother and Grandma T, Connie Johnson Tolbert Davies, passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2024, in St. George, Utah at the age of 90.
Connie was born on June 16, 1933 in Lynndyl, Utah to loving, industrious parents, Lile and Mary Johnson. Connie had a happy childhood, swimming in irrigation ditches and practicing cartwheels on the streets of her small hometown. She had one sister, Clorean, and two brothers, Tillman and Ross. During her years at Delta High, Connie was active in sports, music, cheerleading, and many other activities. During high school, she met Clinton Bernell Tolbert, her sweetheart and future eternal companion.
After graduating, Connie moved to Los Angeles with her sister, Clo. While in California, she worked as a stenographer and a lifeguard. She became the first female lifeguard in Montebello, California—which put her on the cover of her company’s magazine!
On January 30, 1953 Connie and Clinton Bernell were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple. They welcomed their first child, Randy, in November of that year. Cathy, Richard, Rudy, Coral Ann, and Russ followed in quick succession.
Connie and CB worked and saved to buy a brand-new home in Taylorsville, Utah, where they would live for almost thirty years. Their kids loved to play with friends throughout the neighborhood, but Connie could always call everyone home with her signature whistle.
Connie loved being a mother and raising her children; it was her favorite job. She was very supportive of her kids’ activities and was so proud of what they accomplished. She was a great cook and made the most delicious bread, cinnamon rolls, canned peaches, Sunday pot roast, and donuts.
Connie was industrious like her parents, working many different part-time jobs over the years, including medical assistant, department manager at ZCMI, and activities manager at East Canyon Resort. Connie was also a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. She served energetically in many callings, including R.S. President, Stake Young Women’s President, and Primary music leader.
In 1989, Connie and CB moved back to Lynndyl to “semi-retire” and take care of their aging parents. Together, they owned and operated the T&T Twin Theater in Delta for many years. They built an addition to Connie’s childhood home to create their perfect grandparent house, with Grandpa T’s big shop, Grandma T’s big sunroom for family parties, and a beautiful yard.
CB passed away suddenly after a stroke in February 1995. Connie was heartbroken; they had been very happily married for 42 years. To keep busy, Connie served LDS missions, traveled extensively with her sister, and later moved to Draper to be closer to more of her family. She adored having her kids and all “her little people” around her.
After a time, Connie reconnected with John Davies. They married in March of 2000 and made a beautiful home in St. George together, where they lived happily for 23 years. They loved their new community, often sharing dinners and card games with friends. John has lovingly taken care of Connie night and day for the past five years, after a minor stroke and broken hip slowed her down and her health began to fade.
Connie is survived by her six children and their spouses: Randy (Kay Westmoreland) Tolbert, Cathy (Dave) Anderson, Richard (Lori Stewart) Tolbert, Rudy (Lori Hermansen) Tolbert, Corrie (Ken) Holloway, and Russ (Lynette Pearson) Tolbert; 15 fifteen very loved grandchildren and 42 beloved great-grands. Connie is also survived by her second husband: John Davies; her brother: Ross (Allison) Johnson; brother-in-law: Stan (Beth) Tolbert; sisters-in-law: ReNae Tolbert Cooper; and Gloria Tolbert. She was predeceased by her parents: Lile and Mary Johnson; her husband: Clinton Bernell Tolbert; her siblings: Clorean Johnson Greatwood, and Tillman Johnson; and one great grandchild: Avery Gerson.
We wish to offer heartfelt thanks to David and everyone at Nickle Mortuary, the Leamington Ward members, Bishop Devin Palmer, Roger and Kay Stowell, and Scott Johnson for helping with funeral services. We give special thanks for the loving care and understanding of Zion’s Way hospice caretakers, especially Nurse Michelle and Chaplain Christopher Steinle.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 9, at 1:00pm, at the Leamington Ward LDS Chapel, 90 Center St, Leamington. A Viewing was held, 11:00am-12:40pm, prior to the funeral. Those unable to attend are invited to view the recorded video of the service. Burial was in the Lynndyl Cemetery.