Mrs. Octavia Marie "Tavie" James Tomlin, widow of Harold R. Tomlin entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Providence Health, Columbia, South Carolina.
Octavia was born January 23, 1937 in Sumter County, South Carolina to the late Clarence and Carrie Lee James. She had a kind, loving spirit and an illuminating smile. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, playing board games, playing horseshoe, bowling, and family gatherings.
Octavia was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. She worked as a Domestic Engineer and Childcare Provider.
Octavia accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a member of Congruity United Presbyterian Church. Once she married the love of her life, she joined Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church. At Mulberry, she served with various ministries: Inspirational/Unity Choir, Culinary, Trustee Wives, Missionaries, Pastor Support, and Senior Citizens. She was also a Sunday School and Bible Study Scholar. Also, Octavia was a member of the Shirley G. Baker Sumter Senior Service Activity Center and the Majestic Gospel Singers Fan Club.
She leaves to cherish precious memories, seven children: Clarence Tomlin, Joann T. Ferrell, Norma Jean (Gerald) Townsell, Reverend Gerald Tomlin, Charles Tomlin, Corey (Catina) Tomlin, and Utrenna (Henry) Wilson all of Sumter. Thirteen grandchildren: Angela Denise Durant, Sherrie Nicole Ferrell, Marcus Emmanuel Ferrell, Syretta Marie (Scott) Sherer, Jeremiah McClam Townsell, Gerald Jerrod Tomlin, Shamekia Nicole Tomlin, Madison Gabrielle Tomlin, Courtney Cierra Tomlin, Cameron Justin Tomlin, Jasmine Brianna Wilson, Desmond Antione Wilson, and Tewan Potts Wilson. One sister, Helen Perkins, Baltimore, Maryland, one sister- in-law, Vernice Dukes, Manning, South Carolina, one brother- in-law, Johnny L. Butler, Sumter, a host of nieces, including Dr. Audrey P. Neal, Columbia and Mrs. Nancy P. Wilson of Sumter, nephews, other relatives, and friends; one goddaughter, Patricia Dukes, Sumter, nine great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren; Four adoptive children: Beth Hammond-Dabbs, Debra H. Williams, Pamela Hammond, and Leanne Gallo. Kirk Jackson, a special member of the family, a daughter- in-law Cheryl Tomlin and a son- in-law Albert Ferrell.
In addition to her parents, mother and father-in-law: Eugene and Louvenia Tomlin, she was preceded in death by her husband; one sister, Mattie Butler; in-laws: Mary Jane (Howard) Potts, Hattie Mae (Joe) Scott, Mattie (Peter) Gaymon, Eula Mae Davis, Viola (Calvin) Taylor, William (Dorothy) Tomlin, Sam (Sarah) Tomlin, Eugene (Mary) Tomlin, and Julius Dukes.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 2-7 at Job's Mortuary.

Ms. Tomlin will be placed in the church on Sat. at 12NOON until the hour of service.

Funeral Service will be held on Sat. May 27, 2017 at 1pm at Mulberry Baptist Church, Sumter with Rev. Dr. James Blassingame, Officiating and Rev. Dr. Sammie D. Simmons, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in Mulberry Baptist Church Cemetery.

Family will be receiving friends at 321 Rogers Ave, Sumter.