Estella Lucille Toliver was born on June 28, 1943, to Mr. Willie Thomas and Miss Helen Rose Phillips in Fort Worth, Texas. Estella was born & raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. Estella received her formal education in Fort Worth, Texas at the Historic IM Terrell High School. She went on to receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Bible Institutional Theological Seminary.
Estella worked for Mr. & Mrs. E .R. Burnstein for over 20 years. She also worked for the Fort Worth Laundry Company for several years as well as Birdsville ISD until her retirement in 2000.
Estella met the love of her life, Dr. G. M. Toliver. On August 17, 1957, the two were married and God blessed this union with four children. Estella was the First Lady of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church under the Leadership of The Late Dr. G. M. Toliver for 44 years. They remained a loving couple until the Homegoing of Reverend Dr. G. M. Toliver in 2002.
In 2002, she joined the New Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church under the Leadership of her son, Dr. R. A. Toliver. She dedicated her life to the church and served under many hats, such as: The Church Street Ministry, Baptist Training Union (BTU), Choir, Andrew‘s Pantry, Noon Day Prayer Services, Nursery and was a Deaconess.
Momma Toliver loved the Lord and served faithfully at New Mt. Carmel, as the mother of the church. The entire congregation held her in high regard. Momma Toliver loved thrifting and was a “collector of many things…” Estella had a keen sense of fashion with a plethora of beautiful hats. She had a special love for children, which made her an integral part of reestablishing “The New Mount Carmel Nursery”. She also organized the Gospel Singing Group, Angelic Missionary Gospel Singers. Estella was known for giving everyone an affectionate nickname.
Estella Toliver was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Dr. G.M. Toliver; daughter, Helen Rose Toliver Lindsey; her parents, Willie Thomas and Helen Rose Phillips; and sisters, Thelma Powell & Bonnie Faye Tubbs.
Estella Toliver answered the Master’s call and peacefully transitioned from time into eternity on June 30, 2024. Although she will be greatly missed, we know “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
Those left in the Caring Hands of God: her sons, Pastor R. A. Toliver (Cynthia), Avery Woods (Vickie), Isaac Toliver (Emily); daughters May Toliver, Grady Chafer (Lonnie), Misty Alexander (Damion) & Terri Powell; sister, Loma Brown (David); brothers, Frank Brown & Robert Mims; 35 grandchildren and a host of great & great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends & the New Mount Carmel Church Family.
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