pantry, where food is distributed every
Saturday morning.
“I’m doing this because of my [late]
mother, who would want me to be there
for the family and the community,” she
told me. “I’ve had my struggles. I’ve been
down before, but God has just kept me
stable and given me the strength to keep
going. This pandemic has taught me to be
even closer to my family and friends.”Octavio Jones is an independent
photojournalist based in Tampa.M
arlise Tolbert-Jones, who works
part time for an air conditioning
company in Tampa, spends most
of her time caring for her 91-year-old
father, Rudolph Tolbert, and her aunt
Frances Pascoe, who is 89. Marlise visits
them daily to make sure they’re eating a
good breakfast and taking their
medications. In addition to being a
caregiver, Marlise, 57, volunteers for a
local nonprofit food pantry, where she
helps distribute groceries for families.
Also, she volunteers at her church’s food
Clockwise from top
left: Marlise Tolbert-
Jones with her aunt
Fr ances Pascoe.
Tolbert-Jones works
part time at an air
conditioning
company. Tolbert-
Jones cleans father
Rudolph Tolbert’s
eyes. Previous pages:
Father and daughter
hug.60 NOVEMBER 28, 2021 THE WASHINGTON POST MAGAZINE 61