Toles Family Reunion

Our Story

Historical Background

Below is the historical background and early reunion record (1983–2025), presented in a clean format for the website.

1983 - 2025

TOLES FIRST REUNION
JULY 1983
IN HONOR OF
MRS. EVA TOLES TYSON
AT THE RESIDENCE OF
MR. & MRS. MARVIN TOLES
MEMPHIS, TN

Family colors: Red & White

Historical Background (July 13, 1983)

On July 13, 1983 the first reunion was held in honor of Mrs. Eva Toles Tyson at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Toles, Sr. in Memphis, Tennessee. This event was organized and planned by founding members Ara Toles Perry and Marvin Toles. Invitations were sent to family members in several states. This inaugural event attracted family members from Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana representing the descendants of John Lee Toles and Willie Toles Sr.. After enjoying fellowship, there was consensus among the family in attendance to make this an annual event.

Mission Statement

To meet and greet with descendants of the late Nathaniel and Ardella Moody Toles in a social setting outside of funerals and bereavement.

The Toles Family Reunion is organized as a non-profit event to promote fellowship among subsequent generations across the United States.

Decisions made after the first reunion

At a family meeting immediately following the reunion, the following decisions were made:

The Toles Family Reunion will be held annually on the last weekend of June
Family colors are red & white
Reunion fees are $50 per family
A savings account will be established to account for reunion expenses
Marvin Toles Sr. was elected as Treasurer

As time progressed

As time progressed, reunions were hosted in several other locations including Maywood, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Indiana and New Orleans, Louisiana. As the reunions grew in popularity, venues were hired to accommodate the growing number of attendees, so fees were increased to $60 per family of four to cover the costs of hosting the event. Moreover, family members 70 years and older were exempted from fees. In order to keep accurate accounting records, the Treasurer is the sole administrator of all Reunion costs and fees.