Earl Toliver

EARL TOLIVER, affectionately known as "Big E," was the 4th of 13 children born to Willie and Marie Toliver on May 1, 1945, in Damascus, Georgia. EARL passed away at home on Friday, November 14, while holding the hand of his devoted daughter Karla.
EARL was educated in the Colquitt, Georgia public school system and graduated from Bethel High School in 1963. After graduating, EARL briefly relocated to Newark, New Jersey to live with his grandfather before settling in Hillside, New Jersey.
New Jersey is where EARL met the beautiful Stella, and the two were married in September 1969. This union was blessed with two loving daughters, Tanya and Karla.
EARL was employed at Overlook Hospital for a short time after he arrived in New Jersey. Subsequently, he spent over 35 years working in the steel drum refurbishment business and eventually retired from the packaging services industry in 2010. Anyone who knew EARL knows that he worked very hard. His work ethic was extraordinary, something that touched and motivated everyone who had the privilege of working with him. It also had a huge positive impact on Tanya's and Karla's work ethic.
We've all heard the phrase, "Work hard, play hard." No one had to tell EARL that twice! He was an avid basketball fan who loved motorcycles and fast, loud cars where you could hear him coming from a mile away. He would purchase a new motorcycle every summer and would take his daughters on rides around town and to Weequahic Park to play. EARL also had a stable of fast cars. They ranged from a yellow Camaro to a burgundy Monte Carlo SS with red stripes to a red Mustang and a grey Mustang. And those were just a few of the collection! He kept these cars as "clean as a whistle!" EARL was also a "SHARP" dresser when he stepped out. His favorite outfit included a black leather motorcycle jacket, cowboy hat, huge belt buckle, and let's not forget the black leather cowboy boots! He was also known to throw on a blue suit with white polka dots on occasion. If that ain't "SHARP" then I don't know what is!
EARL was also an incredibly kind and generous person who was always willing to help anyone in need. Whether it was lending someone money or simply giving someone a ride, he did it without a moment's hesitation.
EARL'S health began to decline in May 2025. He became a frequent patient at Overlook Hospital in Summit, where he quickly acquired CELEBRITY STATUS. The nurses and sitters all loved him, although he could be a little "difficult" at times. He quickly won the nurses over with his charm and good looks.. that just so happens to run in the family!!!!
EARL was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Marie Toliver, his brothers Willis Toliver, Jimmy Toliver, and Jerome Toliver; his sisters Geraldine Mitchell-Steel, Diane Jaye, Juanetta Toliver, and Willie Mae Toliver; and his nephews Larry George Toliver, Jamichael Nickerson, and Ralph Toliver.
EARL leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 56 years, Stella Toliver, and his children: Henson Toliver of Colquitt, GA, Tanya Toliver of Easton, PA, Karla Toliver of Hillside, NJ, and step-son Jeffrey Jackson (Doris) of Raleigh, NC; grandson Trevor Toliver of Philadelphia, PA; brothers Leroy Toliver of Colquitt, GA; Ralph Toliver (Sinda) of Loganville, GA; B.C. Toliver of Newark, NJ; Paul Toliver of Bainbridge, GA; Tony Toliver of the Bronx, NY, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
EARL will forever be loved and missed! If love could have kept him here, he would have lived FOREVER!