Estella Lucille Toliver was born on June 28th to the parentage of Willie Thomas and
Helen Rose Grisby in Fort Worth, TX. Estella was raised in a christian home and
accepted Christ at an early age. Estella received her education in FTW at IM Terrell HS
and an Honorary Doctorate Degree at Bible Institutional Theological Seminary. Estella worked for Mr.
and Mrs. E R Burnstein for over 20 years. She also worked for FTW Laundry for several
years and Birdsville ISD until her retirement in 2000. Estella was married to the love of her
life Dr. G M Toliver on August 17, 1957 and married until the homegoing of her
husband in 2002. To this union 4 children were born. She was the First Lady of Mt. Moriah
Missionary Baptist Church under the late Dr G M Toliver for 44 years.
In 2002, she joined the New Mt Carmel Missionary Baptist under the pastorage of her
son Dr. R. A. Toliver. She was dedicated to the Church street ministry, BTU, Choir,
Andrews Pantry, Noon day prayer, Nursery and Deaconess. Momma Toliver loved the
Lord and served faithfully at New Mt Carmel as the mother of the church. She was held
in high regard by the entire congregation. Estella had a special love for children. She
was an integral part of reestablishing the NMC Nursery. She organized the gospel
singing group, Angelic Missionary Gospel Singers. Momma Toliver loved thrifting and
was a “collector of many things”. She had a keen sense of fashion with a plethora of
hats. She's known for giving everyone an affectionate nickname. Estella Toliver was
preceded in death by her husband Dr G M Tolver, Daughter Helen Rose Toliver-Lindsey,
Parents Wilie Thomas and Helen Rose Grisby, sisters Themla Powell and 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.
She leaves to cherish her memories; sons; Pastor R A Toliver (Cynthia) Avery Woods
(Vicki) Isaac Toliver (Emily); daughters; May Toliver, Gradie Chafer (Lonnie) Misty
Alexander (Damion) and Terry Powell, Sister; Loma Brown (David) Brothers; Frank
Brown and Robert Mims. She has 35 grandchildren and a host of great and great great
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the NMC Church Family.
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