Margo M. Tolliver

Margo Mildredda Merchant Tolliver, beloved mother, sister, and friend, was born on August 15, 1938, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, to the late Margaret and Joseph Merchant. She was raised in Lexington and graduated from Lylburn Downing School. In June 1960, Margo married Benjamin Granville Tolliver of Clifton Forge, VA, and together they moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where they built a life rich in faith, service, and family. They later welcomed their daughter, Natalie Elizabeth Tolliver, who was Margo’s pride and joy.

Throughout her life, Margo held various roles, from cosmetologist and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to pharmacy technician at People's Drug Store, receptionist at the Alexandria Gazette, and switchboard operator. Later in life, she moved to Ladrey, a senior community in Alexandria, where she found new ways to serve her neighbors. While at Ladrey, she founded “Margo’s Pantry,” a food pantry dedicated to helping seniors in need, worked with the Red Cross to organize the Waterfront Festival, and served on the board of the resident council—testaments to her compassion and commitment to service.

Known for her warmth and liveliness, Margo maintained cherished relationships with her sisters-in-law—Arnita Foster of Oxon Hill, MD; Irma Toliver of Washington, DC; Sandra Chambers of Clinton, MD; Ardelia Washington of Philadelphia, PA; and Madie Muschette of Fort Washington, MD—and her extended family. She brought laughter and joy to every gathering, treasuring these bonds deeply.

Margo's love for creativity was equally vibrant. During her time at Ladrey, she explored art through painting, crochet, and crafting. She participated in a senior art show, where several of her works were displayed and admired, with some pieces sold and one featured on the cover of a magazine. She made her own greeting cards, often illustrating them with painted flowers, and crafted paper flower arrangements for church events, including women’s luncheons. Though arthritis eventually limited her ability to create, her artwork lives on as a beautiful reminder of her joy and talent.

She is survived by her siblings: Brother Joseph M. Merchant III (Elizabeth) of Tampa, FL; Brother John Freddie Merchant of Alexandria, VA; Sister Theresa Anne Donaldson (Leroy) of Springfield, MA; Sister Samuella Georgia Hunt (predeceased), and her husband, Homer, of Alexandria, VA; and Sister Sandra L. Guidry of Goldsby, OK. Margo also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and an extended family that spans across the country.

Margo’s faith and resilience were her guiding lights, and her legacy of love, service, and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A celebration of life for Margo will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12915 N Santa Fe Ave, Moore, OK 73170.

A celebration of life will also be held on November 30, 2024 at 1:30 PM at Henson Valley Christian Church, 1900 Tucker Rd. Ft. Washington, MD 20744

Alternative memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation in Margo's Memory, 30 East 33rd st. New York, NY 10016

Please send all floral arrangements to Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071.