Dr. Marie Wright Tolliver

Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother and sister departed this life Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the age of 82. Dr. Marie Wright Tolliver was born in 1935 in Saginaw, MI to John and Hazel Wright. She was a longtime faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Trustee Board, the Missionary Society and was President of the Mothers Board. Mrs. Tolliver earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Central Michigan University as well as her Special Education Certification and her Michigan State Teaching Certification. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Urban Bible College in Detroit, MI. Dr. Marie was a noted author with a published book entitled, " Trials and Tribulations Of A Leader". Dr. Tolliver served as the past 27th President of the National Association of Colored Women’s Club, was founder of the Dr. Marie Wright Tolliver Cultural & Civic Club of the National Association of Colored Women. She was a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Omega Zeta Chapter where she held the position of Sargent at Arms and was a member of many other organizations. She retired from Saginaw Public Schools in 1999 after teaching special education courses for 19 years at Arthur Hill High School. Marie married Mose Tolliver, Jr. on August 7, 1949 and to this union six children were born, three sons and three daughters, David (Carol) Tolliver of Rockford, IL, Mose (Lori) Tolliver of Indianapolis, IN, Barbara Pittman, Gwendolyn (Donnie) Chambers both of Saginaw, MI and Sheila Porter of Bowling Green, OH, they all survive her. She leaves 14 grandchildren, Jeffery Tolliver, Tamara (Dante) Humes, Dion and Alexander Woods, Kevin Tolliver, Robert (Yvonne) Laster, Jr., Anthony Jr., Adrian and Jeremy Tolliver, Mose IV and Allante Tolliver, Terrence (Sara) Porter, Deshawn Porter and Demetria (Larry) Graham; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; three sisters, Delores (Ronald) Puplava, Constance (Otis) Jack and Bonnie Price; very special friend, Jimmy Fields; special cousin, Cynthia Robertson; special friends, Anne Jackson, Annye Roberts, Rose Carnes, Rose Conway, Loudean Moutrie, Rose Cecil, Hope Longuemire and Sammie Coleman, other relatives including a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents John & Hazel Wright; husband Mose Tolliver, Jr.; one son Anthony Tolliver, Sr.; one granddaughter, Marita Laster; three siblings, Effie Jackson, Johnnie Mae Ellis and John Wright, Jr.; one son-in-law, Homer Porter III. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations for the Dr. Marie Wright Tolliver Memorial Scholarship sent to: The Dr. Marie Wright Tolliver Cultural & civic Club P.O. BOX 303 Bridgeport, Michigan 48722 Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 810 Cathay Street. Pastor Blake Strozier will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue. Friends may call at Tabernacle Baptist Church Saginaw, Michigan on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Dr. Marie Wright Tolliver

March 18, 1935 - April 20, 2017