Dr. Tolton Columbus Rosser was born in Birmingham, Alabama on July 29, 1932, to the late Tolton C. Rosser Sr. and the late Grace Sands Rosser. He became a big brother on May 18, 1939, to Kay Frances (Rosser) McPherson who preceded him in death.

Dr. Rosser was educated in the Birmingham City School system, attending Washington Elementary School, and graduating from A.H. Parker High School. Tolton enrolled at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University where he received the Bachelor of Science degree graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1952. After serving his country in the Army during the Korean War, Tolton received his Master of Education degree from Alabama State University in 1959, an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1974 and completed his formal education with a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Alabama in 1985.

Tolton married his beloved wife Hazel in 1959 and to this union was born a son Kenneth W. and a daughter Kimberly Ann.

Tolton's career in education started in the Talladega City School system as a band director. In 1956 he began a 40-year career in the Bessemer City School system starting as a band director at Abrams High School and then becoming Vice Principal of Jess Lanier High School. He ended his career as an educator in the Bessemer City School system as Principal of James A. Davis Middle School in 1997. He was appointed Adjunct Professor at Miles College from 2010 to 2013.

Tolton was a member of Union Bethel Independent Methodist Church pastored by the late Reverend W.D. Hargrove where he was the first-born child of the church. He remained a faithful member of the church which is now known as Union Bethel Christian Church under Pastor Kenneth R. Robinson until his death.

Among Tolton's many accomplishments are: Director of the Birmingham Heritage Jazz Band for over 24 years beginning in 1999, induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1992, Band Director of the Year, three times, by the Birmingham Grid Forecasters and a Lifetime Achievement award from the NAACP Metro Birmingham Branch in 2014.

Tolton was a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. being initiated into the organization at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Tolton's love for music was the motivation for his support of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. He gave music lessons and tours of the museum regularly during his retirement. Until the time of his death, he served on the Board of Directors for the AJHOF.

Other memberships included Men of Vision at Union Bethel Christian Church, 32nd Degree Mason, Shriners, Imperial Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, Local 733-352 American Federation of Musicians, National Association of Secondary School Principals, and Bessemer Kiwanis Club.

Tolton was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Kay Frances.

His memory will be cherished by a loving wife of 64 years Hazel, his children Kenneth W. Rosser (Shirley) and Dr. Kimberly Rosser Carr, a special niece Phyllis McPherson-Rogers (Malvin), a very dear cousin Victoria W. Hodges, and a host of family and friends.