James Lester “Po” Nolley was born in Jasper County to George Richard and Lottie Nolley. He was educated in the Newton County School System.

“Po” enjoyed singing Otis Redding, traveling and telling jokes. He was a loving person, showing love to everyone he met. “Po” was a Christian and he loved God. He was a civil rights organizer with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  

James was the sixth child of 13. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Ruby L. Barr, Clifford O. Nolley, Tommy Nolley, Lamar Nolley and Chuck Nolley; and a nephew, TJ Nolley.

He is leaves to cherish his memories four brothers, George Marvin Nolley, of Decatur; Jimmy (Rachel) Nolley, of Oxford; John Wayne (Pam) Nolley, of Anderson, Alabama; and Robert (Stephanie) Nolley, of Anderson; three sisters, Peggy N. Allen, of Conyers; and Richard (Ethel) Johnson and Priscilla A. Nolley, all of Covington; a beloved aunt, Beulah Kate Glover; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and  friends.

Services began at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at Rock Spring Missionary Baptist Church, 2223 County Line Road, Mansfield. Burial followed in the church’s cemetery. A meal followed in Oxford.