Shirley Maria Toliver was born in Watervliet, Michigan on May 3, 1947 to Fred Dunn and Elizabeth Peoples. She was adopted a few weeks later by Simon and Mary Bruton of Covert, Michigan, who lovingly reared her to adulthood. Shirley met her husband, John Henry Toliver during her childhood while growing up in Covert, Michigan.
They married November 9, 1968 and settled in Covert, Michigan, where they reared their six children. Shirley worked numerous jobs throughout her life-time; her passion was working as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and teacher’s aide at various elementary schools throughout the Covert and South Haven Districts. She continued her work as a teacher’s aide locally in South Haven, until her illness.
She relished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and was loved dearly by all of them. All that knew and loved her could easily attest to the fact that she had “the patience of a saint”, was always supportive, encouraging, wise, kind and extremely proud to be a mother, grandmother, church mother, dear friend and a child of God. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren had no boundaries.
Her commitment to her friends, extended family, church, and God was unwavering in its loyalty. In 2006, Shirley recommitted her life to Christ when she joined Resurrection Life Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor, Joe Wilkins, Sr., affectionately known as her 5th son. She was dedicated to her role as Church Mother.
The Resurrection Life Ministries members became a second family to her and she loved them dearly. Shirley will be remembered as a devoted mother, who always smiled, even when times were tough. She had a quiet strength.
She never complained and always looked to a better future. She was the epitome of grace even during the toughest of times, until God called His angel home. Shirley departed this life June 7, 2018 surrounded by her six children.
She was preceded in death by her biological parents, Fred Dunn and Elizabeth Peoples; adoptive parents, Simon and Mary Bruton; husband, John Henry Toliver; brother, Alvin Johnson and sister, Betty Jean Small. She is survived by her children: son, Rueben Eugene Bruton (Roxanne); daughter, Cheri Ann Richardson (Ron); daughter, Mary Joann Bruton; son, Leaman Bruton (Sabina); son, John DeCarlos Toliver (Kristin); son, Willie Jamar Toliver (Zanetta); daughters-in-law, Sharon Wilburn and Charlotte Bruton; special daughter, Patrice Strong and special nieces, Dorothy Razor and Meril Goodwin. In addition, she is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends, and other extended family.
She will truly be missed. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.
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