Marion DeWayne Tolliver

Dear Son

DeWayne, I’m asking God for strength to write these words. It’s really not easy writing final words to your child. No matter how old you were, you were still my child and my firstborn son. You were God’s gift to your Dad and me after 9 years of marriage and childless. God had mercy on us and blessed us with the joy of my life. You were such a beautiful, smart and intelligent baby boy. I have such fond memories of your childhood. I never had to scold you concerning your schoolwork, and you were an excellent student. I remember you relocating to Los Angeles, where many of your cousins lived and your father bragging about you being the youngest manager ever at Federal Express. We were so proud of you. Dee, I love you. I will always love you until we meet again. As you would always say, “My first born”, Rest In Peace with the Lord.

Love Always, Momma

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family of Marion DeWayne Tolliver is grateful for the many acts of kindness extended to us during our time of bereavement. We sincerely appreciate the tokens of love you have provided to our family, and it means so much to us. We would especially like to thank the staff at Regional One for being so patient and kind to our family.

~The Family

~ Honorary Pallbearers ~

The Men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

~ Active Pallbearers ~

Derrick Tolliver Rodney Tolliver Jacques Singleton

Victor Smith

Michael Tolliver Fredick Norman Darrel Ramsey

My Big Brother From the day I was born, my journey of being like you began.

You told momma, “Thank you momma for my little brother!”, as you looked through the nursery window. You were so concerned when I was sick as a child, and we only got closer. I watched your every move. If I could do things half as well as you, I was proud. You always dreamed BIG and set the standard so high. I can visualize you driving that packed down 280z to California.

I was hurt that day, just as I am hurting now. You taught me so much and was a buffer between our parents. I pray that I have made you proud. Our bond is unbreakable. I Love you Dee. My Big Brother.

Darrin.

~ Commital Rites & Interment ~

Brown Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery 980 Stateline Road Southaven, Mississippi 38671

Distinctive Services by View Funeral Programs, DVD Tributes & More Through Your Mobile Device

3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~

Tarik A. Yancy 901.336.9706 www.mysticalprinting.com

R

Reflections of Life eflections

Marion DeWayne Tolliver was born to the holy matrimony of Marion and

Millie McLendon Tolliver on September 25, 1963, in Memphis, Tennessee.

He was such a blessing to his family, upon his arrival. After 9 years of marriage, their prayers were finally answered. They had prayed so diligently for a child. DeWayne or “Dee”, as he was affectionately called by his family, was a joy. He was the only child for 8 years until the birth of his brother, Maurice Darrin Tolliver.

As a child, DeWayne attended St. Paul Catholic School and Havenview Junior High School. He graduated from Wooddale High School in 1981.

After high school graduation, DeWayne attended Memphis State University where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Kappa Beta Chapter in the Fall of 1983. He became employed at Federal Express while attending Memphis State University. He moved up quickly in the company from being a handler to a carrier, and ultimately becoming one of the youngest managers at Federal Express, and relocated to Los Angeles, California.

DeWayne joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at an early age and later transitioned to Middle Baptist Church, located in the Whitehaven residential area, with his family. Later in life, he joined Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi under the dedicated leadership of Pastor Bartholomew Orr. DeWayne was a “Die-Hard”, Dallas Cowboy, and Los Angeles Laker’s fan. He was an entrepreneur who managed several restaurants in the area, loved and sold cars, owned a credit repair business, and was a culinary genius. The family was very important to him. He was a proud uncle to his only nephew, Donovan, and niece, Kaitlin, and played a major role as a caregiver to them during their upbringing. DeWayne lit up a room when he arrived, always had a smile on his face and to know him was to love him.

Memories of DeWayne will be forever held in the hearts of his devoted and loving mother, Millie McLendon Tolliver; his brother, Maurice Darrin Tolliver (Toya); his nephew, Donovan Parrish Tolliver, whom he called, “Don Don”, and his niece, Kaitlin Emily Tolliver, whom he called, “My Pretty Girl”; a special friend, Margaret Butler and a host of aunts, one uncle, and an abundance of cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Marion Tolliver.

Uncle Dee Uncle Dee, I am going to really miss you man. This one has hit me mighty hard and quite different. You were my uncle but also my friend, my dawg and my biggest cheerleader. I just want to thank you for all the good times that we had from the time that I was a child until now. You were an amazing uncle with an amazing spirit, one that shall never be forgotten. I pray that your soul shall forever rest with the Lord. Even though you are no longer here with me, you will always be in my heart. I want to thank you for the laughs, the love and all the good food that you would cook that no one could make like you.

Why? Because it was from my Uncle Dee. Love, Donovan Dear Uncle Dee, you were the best uncle that I could ever ask for. I love you and miss you so much. You always did fun things with me, like make slime and take me shopping. You always called me, “My Pretty Girl”, and made me feel so special. I never thought that you would be gone this soon. I cry all the time, but I know it won’t bring you back. I’m not worried either, because I know you are in heaven watching over me. For that reason, I know I will always be safe. I love you Uncle Dee. Love, Kaitlin

Order of Service Saturday, July 3, 2021 10:00 A.M.

Brown Missionary Baptist Church 7200 North Swinnea Road Southaven, Mississippi 38671 Pastor Bartholomew Orr, Officiant

Processional Scripture Reading: Old & New Testemant........Rev. Elartrice Ingram Prayer...................................Rev. Elartice Ingram

Middle Baptist Church- Whitehaven

Musical Selection..............BMBC Music Ministry

Expressions

As a Friend - Cliff Kuykandall As a Fraternal Brother -Phillip J. Braden Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Beta, Fall 1983 As a Family Man - Gerald Ramsey Video Tribute Musical Selection..............BMBC Music Ministry Eulogy............................Pastor Bartholomew Orr Recessional