Surfronia Bethley Jolla

Mrs. Surfronia Bethley Jolla was born in Woodville, MS on August 11, 1925 to the late Rev. Keller Bethley and Isadora Pullett Bethley. Sister Jolla entered her Heavenly home peacefully on January 15, 2021. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and attended St. John Baptist Church in Edgefield, MS, where the late Reverend Robert Turner served as Pastor. She graduated from McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, LA while working in her brother’s grocery store. She continued her educational pursuits at Alcorn A&M University in Lorman, MS graduating with a BA in Elementary Education while maintaining a full-time position as a teacher. She married the love of her life, Dudley Oscar Jolla, Sr. in 1948. Education was very important to her. With a supportive husband, four children and a full-time job as a teacher at Wilkinson County Training School, she decided to pursue a graduate degree. She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA where she received a Master’s Degree in Education, and earned additional hours towards a post graduate degree. She also received a certification in Special Education. The Jolla Family relocated to New Orleans, LA in 1967 and became members of Second Mt. Everest Baptist Church, where the late Reverend Harrison D. Dupree served as Sr. Pastor. Sister Jolla served on the Deaconess Board and as Assistant Church Secretary. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Sister Jolla taught at several schools in New Orleans including: McDonogh 40, Phillips Elementary, and William B. Frantz. She retired in 1991. Sister Jolla left a legacy of the importance of faith, family, and education in her family. She leaves to cherish her memory three devoted daughters: Diana Marie Jolla, Cherlyn Lavern Jolla, and Marvlieu Bernetta Jolla Hall (Reverend Victor T. Hall, Sr.); seven grandchildren: Sean E. Beauchamp (Andrea); Jared M. Anderson (Brianne), Victor T. Hall II, Amber N. Jolla, Nia I. A. Hall, Ayanna G. C. Hall, and Janai A. Jolla. Eight (8) great grandchildren, six (6) great great grandchildren, two godsons: Geovane Santos and Gary Lambert; two brothers-in-law: James E. Jolla (Thelma) and Henry Battiste Jr., her lifelong friend, Mrs. Celeste S. Holland; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley Jolla Sr., two (2) sons: Roland and Dudley Jolla Jr., and her six (6) siblings. The Family will host a private service. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share online condolences.