Rev. O.T. Tomes

Rev. Oliver Tomes, Jr., better known as O.T., was born August 11, 1936, and departed this world on January 15, 2021. He was the son of the late Oliver Tomes, Sr. and Lilian Montgomery Tomes. O.T. was raised in Lincolnton County, NC, graduated from Newbold High School, and continued his education by obtaining a degree in Theology from Friendship College in Rock Hill SC. Shortly after graduating, he married his sweetheart Mrs. Irene Vinson Tomes, and they raised two children, Elizabeth Renee’ Tomes, who preceded him in death, and Oliver Theophilus Tomes, of Asheville. In addition to his parents and daughter, Rev. Tomes was preceded in death by brother Elijah Tomes.

As the Lord would have it, the Tomes Family relocated to Asheville where O.T. was called to pastor the New Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He led New Mt. Olive for over 26 years. During his tenure as pastor, he also served on the Asheville City Council, started organizations such as Building Bridges, and had two sermons published. His ministry led him across the country and abroad, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After retiring from pastoring New Mt. Olive, he and his wife moved to Charlotte, NC, and began to work for Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. At Friendship, he continued his ministry by teaching, preaching, and using his talents wherever they were needed.

O.T. leaves to cherish his memory in addition to his devoted wife and son, brothers Robert Tomes and Elbert Tomes of Lincolnton, NC, sisters Essie Hosch and Lillie Tomes, both of Lincolnton, NC, and Lena Miles, of Washington, DC, grandchildren Tomara M. Tomes, Shaneysha X. Tomes, and Keishawn M. Tomes, all of Asheville, and C. Shanbreia Tomes and A. Christian Tomes, of Charlotte, great-grands Braia Z. Alexander, La’Mirra S. Douglas, and Alexander Douglas II, all of Asheville, and many adopted sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and dear friends.

Funeral Service for the Rev. O.T. Tomes will be held on Friday February 5th at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church located at 47 Eagle St. at 12pm. He will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral. Viewing will be held on Wednesday February 3rd at New Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church from 10am to 3pm, and again on Thursday February 4th from 1pm to 5pm. The service will be live streamed on Avery's Memorial Chapel's Facebook page.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. O.T. Tomes, please visit our floral store.