Mr. S. J. Colbert, after 76 years, left this life on Sunday morning, October 7, 2007 from his home in Tulsa.

Sylvester James Colber was born on January 29, 1931 in Idabel, Oklahoma to Martin Ruby Colbert and Ruthie Green-Colbert. He was the only son and the eldest of eight children.

The family moved to alsuma, Oklahoma during his childhood years, and later to Tulsa, where he received his formal education. He served in the U. S. Army for 4 years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1952. Several years later, he joined the U. S. Postal Service, tirelessly working in the Maintenance Division until retiring in 1996.

His love for cooking enabled him to prepare delicious foods, with BBQ being his specialty, for his family and friends throughout the years. Cooking for the Annual Colbert Family Picnic and the Nifty Class of '50 reunions were two of his greatest joys. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well.

His parents Martin and Ruthie colbert preceded him in death, along with two sisters, Delois and Shirley. His survivors include; a loving wife, Willa; sons, Ronald [Othella], Steven [Debbie], and Bryce, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughters, Jerri, Arlington, Texas, Deloris Cooper, LaDonna Scott and Arbyn Calyton, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sisters, Gladys Chatman [Louie], Kellyvile, Oklahoma, Emma Fenceroy [Melvin], Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hazel Wallace, Jewellene Mayes and Lorene Brown, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Bettye L. Campbell, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Special friends, Richard D. Jones [R.D.], Beatrice Webb and Sylverta Willis; also, 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. in the Carver Middle School Auditorium. Brother Raymond Hawkins will officiate.

Burial will be on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

You may visit Mr. Colbert on Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM at the funeral home.