[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9444]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO MRS. MARY ELLEN TOLLIVER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2008

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, there is no greater gift that 
one can give when they give of themselves and Mr. Speaker such was the 
life and such is the legacy of Mrs. Mary Ellen Tolliver.
  Mary Ellen Tolliver was born on September 1, 1915 in Richmond, 
Virginia; to the union of the late Thomas Day and Georgetta Walker-Day. 
Mary Ellen Day was the oldest of four children.
  On Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 2:30 a.m., God called Mary Ellen Day home 
for she had done her part. ``Peace I leave with you, my peace I give 
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart 
be troubled neither let it be afraid'' (John 14:27).
  Mary Ellen Day moved to Pennsylvania as a young child with her family 
where she attended the public school system. Mary Ellen Day was married 
to John L. Toliver in 1935 and they attended Enon Tabernacle Baptist 
Church in Germantown, where she worshiped until her passing. John and 
Mary Toliver never had children of their own, but considered many in 
the community as their own family and provided them with values and 
traditions that will live on forever.
  Mary Ellen Toliver dedicated her life to the field of mental health. 
She worked as a nurse at the Byeberry State Mental Hospital in 
Pennsylvania, also known as the Philadelphia State Hospital for 40 
years from where she retired.
  While at Byeberry, Mary Ellen Toliver became close to and took two 
long-term patients from Byeberry into her home in Germantown. Julia and 
Sweeney were abandoned by their families, but felt at peace with Mary 
Ellen Toliver. Mary Ellen Toliver shared her home with both ladies 
until their passing; Julia for 24 years and Sweeney for 30 years. They 
brought her great joy.
  Mary Ellen Toliver, was preceded in death by her husband John L. 
Toliver, her brother Sonny Day, and sister Mabel Day. Mary Ellen 
Toliver leaves to cherish her lasting memories; her sister Willeta Day, 
and her sister Aquilla Laws. Mary Ellen Toliver leaves a host of 
nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, and the Enon 
Tabernacle Baptist Church family.

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