Rev. Joseph E. Toliver

Pastor Joseph Edward Toliver, was the oldest son of the late Joseph Benjamin Toliver and Pauline Ethel Brown, and was born on February 22, 1920, in Sealston, Virginia. He was called by our Heavenly Master to his reward on Monday, November 28, 2011, 4:00 PM at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

He attended School Number Nine, Lambs Creek, Virginia. He also attended Virginia State College, and received a Diploma from Twentieth Century Bible Institute. He worked and retired from the Supply Department at the Dahlgren Naval Proving Ground.

He joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, King George, Virginia at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend Robert B. Ford. He then joined Antioch Baptist Church, King George in 1937, where he attended faithfully and was licensed to preach on October 23, 1951. He was ordained by a council of ministers appointed by the late Reverend E. L. R. Guss to the gospel ministry on September 24, 1955. He was installed as Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Chance, Virginia in January 1955, installed as Pastor of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Caret, Virginia in March 1967, and installed as Pastor of Mulberry Baptist Church, Emmerton, Virginia in September 1973. He served the churches concurrently until his retirement on December 31, 2007. He joined the Mulberry Baptist Church in 2010.

Pastor Toliver enjoyed his gift of serving and giving to others and was very involved in community activities. He participated in the National Baptist Convention, Sunday School Union, and the Deacon/Deaconess Union and was a member of Northern Neck Baptist Association and Southside Rappahannock Baptist Association. He served as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician with Dahlgren Rescue Squad. He was a Charter Member and Past President of the local NAACP Chapter and National NAACP Life Member. He served as President and Board Member for the Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., and served King George School and King George Social Services as a Board Member, and as local chapter AARP President. As a Freedom Fighter he was instrumental in the building of the Ralph Bunche High School in King George. He was a Past President of Boy Scout Troop 568, and Past adult leader of the 4-H Club of King George and a county school bus driver. He served on the Board of Directors for Heritage Hall. He was a Past Master and Treasurer of King George Lodge No. 314, Prince Hall Affiliate and was a Past Patron of Guiding Star No. 216, Order of the Eastern Star PHA.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Margaret Agatha Ashton Toliver, his brothers Marcellus and Emmitt Toliver and sister Ethel Toliver Pullen.

Reverend Toliver leaves to cherish his memory a devoted, caring wife of three years, Virginia Veney Lewis Toliver, five children, Joseph E. Toliver, Jr. (Dorothy), Agatha Coleman (Edward), Jacqueline Hines (Paul), Ramona and George Toliver; five step children, Antonio Lewis, Sr., Detria McCallum (John). Mario Lewis (Carolyn), Imore Michelle Long (Roderick), and Carlos Lewis (Peggy); eight grandchildren, Joseph E. Toliver, III, Patricia White, Brenda Adams, Paula Lonergan, Edward Coleman, Jr., Michael Hines, Carli and Kristi Toliver; five step grandchildren, Monica McMcallum, Antonio H. Lewis, Jr., Amber and Adriane Long, and Tevin Lewis; six great-grandchildren, Joseph IV, Devin, Mikayla and Alana Toliver, Jasmine and Brianna White, and Jeri Hines; brothers Earl Toliver, James Toliver (Phyllis), and Stafford Toliver (Lois); sisters-in-laws, Ruth Lewis (James), Mildred Holmes (Frank), Shirley Garland, Virginia Ashton, and Carrie Presley (Calvin), brothers-in-laws, Ralph Ashton (Helen), Earl Ashton (Barbara), Vernell Ashton, Otis Penn, Sr. and Newton Veney; several nieces, nephews, special cousin Hilda White, special friends Rev. Lester Harvey, Donald Beverly, James Temple Johnson, Robin Sales, Jacqueline Campbell (caretaker) and a host of many relatives and friends.

Pastor Joseph E. Toliver's life was one filled of ministry to others. He loved and devoted his time to his churches, his community and their needs, all while serving the risen Christ. "He fought the good fight. He finished his course. He kept the faith. There is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord will give to him on that day." (II Timothy 4:7-8)

**In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Parkinson Foundation 360 West Superior Street Chicago, IL 60610**

Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535