Mrs. Willie Murl "Pete" Tolden

Willie Murl Tolden was born on January 7, 1936, in Magee, Mississippi to Elijah Holliway and Leola (James) Williams. She passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at the age of 82 years. She was the eldest of four children, and was raised from birth by her grandparents, Web and Dosha James. She spent most of her childhood in Mississippi and being the first grandchild, she was able to get her way in many things therefore she didn’t have to work in the fields like her aunts and uncles unless she wanted too. As a child, because she was so little, her family began calling her, “Peewee”, and she later adopted the name of “Pete.” Before settling in Saginaw, Michigan Pete lived in Chicago, IL, worked in a Diaper Factory and a Nursing Home. She relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, married the love of her life, Joe Willie Robinson and became a stay at home wife, mother and grandmother. Once the family moved to Saginaw she and Joe Willie bought their first home on Roberts Street. She was known as “Granny” in the neighborhood. She loved to work in her yard and all the neighborhood kids knew not to walk across her grass. She loved flowers and plants, she never seemed to have too many, there was always a place for them even if it was in a jar in her window. If you gave her a flower, she would bless that flower with your name. Willie Murl loved to cook. All the family gatherings would be at Pete’s house and she would cook almost everything on the menu. She loved music, dancing and being around her family. Willie “Pete” will forever be loved and celebrated by those she left behind, her children, Beulah (Willie) Clayton of Saginaw, MI, Curtis (Betty) Robinson of Louisville, MS, Brendia Hayes of Magee, MS; bonus daughter, Bettie (Ed) White of Bedford, OH; sister, Carrie Jean McNair of Gulfport, MS; brother, Terry James of Ripley, MS; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Besides her parents, Elijah Holliway and Leola Williams; grandparents, Web and Dosha James; husband, Joe Willie Robinson; Pete was preceded death by her brother, John D. James; bonus son, Joe Alvin Robinson; two daughters, Mary Kay Robinson and Elaine Davis; her great-grandchildren, Daun-Te R. Dottery, Jr. Amrijah Davis, DeQueveon D. King, Jr. and DeKari King. Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at New Friendship Baptist Church, 3404 Sheridan Avenue. Pastor Eddie Jackson will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607 on Tuesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. Family will be present to greet friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Willie Murl "Pete" Tolden

January 7, 1936 - May 13, 2018