Alma "Annie" Pearl Russ Toliver known to church members, friends and coworkers as “Annie” was born October 10, 1939 to the late Willie Russ, Sr. and Alma Russ; the oldest daughter of 13 children, in Woodville, Mississippi.
Alma “Sister/Annie” accepted Christ in her heart at an early age. She attended and was baptized at Bleak House Baptist Church in Woodville under the leadership of Reverend Boudreaux Jackson. Alma was a graduate of Johnson High School.
On her journey, Alma moved to Amarillo, Texas where she worked as a domestic and soon married Vernice Wheeler, Sr. in 1960 and they were blessed with 7 children- Vernice II, Mary, Vencent, Victor, Jerry and Priscilla. Their third child became one of God’s angel.
Alma continued on her journey and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. She worked at Flint Goodridge, the first African American owned hospital. Because of Alma’s love for helping people, she continued her training and education in the medical field. She attended JoEllen Technical School and Touro Infirmary were she received her license as a Nurse Assistant. Alma continued her studies at Delgado Community College and earned a certification as a Ward Clerk.
During life’s journey, Alma “Annie” worked at Charity Hospital, JoEllen Hospital as well as East and West Jefferson Hospitals until she eventually retired at Meadowcrest and Touro Hospitals to become her mother Alma Russ’s sole, primary healthcare provider.
Annie was a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan to the end. “Bless You Boys!, WHO DAT!!!
She was a volunteer wherever help was needed. Annie witnessed to everyone she came in contact with including friends, family and co-workers.
Alma “Annie” joined the New Orleans Section of the National Council of Negro Women. She became their Chaplain and was presented with the Distinguished Recognition Award for her generous commitment of service and outstanding vision, dedication and leadership.
When she first moved to Algiers, Annie did not have a car, but because she was determined to be in church, she and her six children would walk to the closest church to her home. She and her family bravely entered the doors of the, then, all-white congregation and the pastor at the time, Hiram Campbell where they all welcomed her warmly. Annie became the first African-American to join Calvary Baptist Church in 1976. Some of her family and friends asked her how did she have the courage to go to Calvary and she replied “I told God you go first and I would follow you”. Annie served in the Celebration Choir and nursery. Having worked in the neonatal unit of Meadowcrest Hospital, it was natural for Annie to gravitate to the baby supply area of the distribution tent at the church after Hurricane Katrina. She was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. In the church’s newsletter, Mission Christian Member Spotlight, Annie was featured after being presented with a copy of Senate Resolution No. 0514 commending her service to Calvary and the community by Derrick Shepard, former State Senator for Districk 3. She publically confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and was received into full membership of Calvary Baptist Church.
Annie united in marriage to her husband, the late Willie Toliver, Sr. in 1979. In their union, until Willie’s death, they shared the joy of their grandchildren; spoiled them rotten and sent them back to their parents.
When Annie discovered she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, she called her children. They have been by her side without question ever since until that faithful day God whispered to Alma you have completed your task on earth and I am ready to fulfill my promise. I am ready for you, my child to live an everlasting life here with me so I have sent my Angels to walk with you on your journey home.
With her faith and trust in Our Father, she accepted the Lord’s will, took God’s angels by their hands and went peacefully at home surrounded by her children and granddaughter, TeShanda. Annie is finally smelling her roses and is everlasting resting. Alma is at peace, happy, content and free. Alma “Annie/Sister” leaves to cherish her memoires, her children: Vernice and Mary of Gretna, LA; Vencent of Marrero, LA; Victor (Janel) of LaPlace, LA; Jerry of Oshkosh, WI; Priscilla of New Orleans, LA; Donna P (Sylvester) Edmondson of Chicago, IL.
Her siblings: Edward and Johnny (Lea) Russ of Centerville, MS; Sinclair (Daisy) Russ of Woodville, MS; Jerry Russ of Waco, TX; Oliver Russ of Jackson, MS; Rosia (Lloyd) Toussaint of Gonzales, LA; Lillian Robertson of Waco, TX; sister-in-laws: Eloise Russ, Corrine Russ, Hattie Russ, Beverly Russ; Grandchildren: Vernice (Adrena), Shametra (Roland) Caldwell, MaShanda (Royce) Butler, Jared, Jerry, Jamal (Leterion), Cameron, Jarvis, TeShanda, James, Terrence, Jarvis, Alex, Quienten, Janiya, Anthony, Amirah; great-grandchildren: Shiheam, Destiny, Roland, Jared II, Ronique, Amaiya, Corey II, Maurice, Corrin, Bryce, Aaliyah, Jashard, Benjamin, Zoey, JaShad, Aubree, Taylor, Caius and Germany and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, church members and former co-workers.
Alma is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Alma Russ; husbands, Vernice Wheeler and Willie Toliver, Sr.; grandsons, VaShawn Tate, Corey Wheeler; daughter-in-law, Pamela Wheeler; brothers, Willie Jr, Leroy, Arthur, Charles, Robert; brother-in-law Samuel Robertson and sister-in-laws, Helen Ruth, Rosa Lee Russ; 6 nieces, 5 nephews and best friends Belle Martin and Earline Ellis.
Alma “Annie/Sister” will be truly missed.
A visitation for Annie will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Calvary Baptist Church, 2401 General De Gaulle Dr, New Orleans, LA 70114, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM.
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