Anthony Charles Owen Jolly

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1528 East University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50316, with a family visitation an hour before the service. Jolly had an infectious personality and to honor his life there will be a Celebration of Life Lunch at the Isiserettes Building, 2124 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 following the service, beginning at 1 p.m.

Masks are encouraged at the service. For those who wish to attend the service virtually, it will be live-streamed through Bethel A. M. E. Des Moines' Facebook page.

Anthony Charles Owen Jolly more affectionately known as “Jolly” transitioned from this life to eternity on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Anthony entered this world six weeks early on January 25, 1993, weighing 4 pounds 5 ounces. He quickly made up for his small start, although the youngest, he was their BIG little brother.

By the age of two Anthony had developed a love for watching movies. To ensure he would be able to watch his beloved Lion King he quickly learned how to operate the VCR. Dashing in the house after daycare to quickly pop in his movie, staking claim to the family’s entertainment for the evening. All this movie watching must be where he developed the talent of being a vivid storyteller, especially when he was young, sometimes you weren’t quite sure how much was fact vs fiction.

Anthony had a passion for athletic shoes, his Nike shoe game was on point. In the words of his favorite comedian, John Witherspoon, “You have to Coordinate” and that is exactly what he did starting from his shoes up.

Anthony loved everything about sports, most importantly the lifelong friendships he made through his participation. He excelled in summer Track and Field. Anthony threw shot put and discus competing on a National level in AAU and USA Track and Field meets, earning several medals. At the age of nine he was named the Iowa AAU Athlete of the Year. Anthony would complain about running laps and couldn’t understand why Coach Phil would put him in the 100-meter event knowing he was a big guy and wasn’t going to win. He later realized the coach wanted him to develop quick feet to go along with his size, which would help him stand out as a football player at Roosevelt High School, affording him the opportunity to play at the college level at Iowa Western Community College and later with the Iowa Blaze.

He attended Des Moines Public Schools graduating from Roosevelt High School in 2011. It is there he met Courtney. The high school sweethearts wed in 2017. Although they did not have their own bundle of joy, they were the ultimate aunt and uncle. Anthony’s booming voice and stature never intimidated them. From his big smile, to his warm embrace and most times becoming their own personal jungle gym Uncle Jolly kept them laughing and entertained.

Anthony was a committed and dedicated employee of FedEx Freight for nine years as a Dock Supervisor. He strived to make an impact and effect change within the environment. He regularly recruited family and friends to join the FedEx family and would go out of his way to help a coworker in need.

Anthony accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age. In his youth he was an active member of the Bethel A.M.E. Sunday School. He and his wife were members of CityScape. His faith was an important part of his life, and he didn’t hesitate to share the Word with others.

Anthony deeply loved his family and friends. He never knew a stranger and lit up a room as soon as he entered. He had a heart of gold, a contagious personality, was full of love, laughter and joy. He had a heart geared toward the needs of others and didn’t hesitate to help a friend in need.

Left to cherish Anthony’s memory, his wife Courtney, mother Deedra, siblings Brandon (Krystle) Brewer, Branigha Brewer and Amber Jolly, best friend Jahzel (Emily) Fristo, sisters-in-law Laila, Mya and Kamryn Williams, brothers-in-law Rontez and Cortez Pinks, nieces Asia, Desiree and Gianna Brewer, Cinya Pinks and Quincie Fristo, nephews, Mateo Fermin, Domenic and Ryleigh Oachs, Christopher, Jeremiah and Jabari Pinks, honorary grandmother Margo Jones, and a host of other loving family and friends.

Anthony was preceded in death by grandparents, Kenneth & Rose Brewer, Uncle, Daryl Brewer, niece Grace Brewer and nephews Valor Brewer and Chancellor Pinks.

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