Lillye Toliver

Lillye Alexander Toliver
Lillye Alexander Toliver was born on April 14. 1925 in Marietta, Oklahoma. Her parents were Hulon and Nellie (Tanner) Alexander. She was delivered at home by Dr. Autrey, who was said to be the uncle of Gene Autrey, a famous movie cowboy of the time. The entire Alexander family moved to Clovis in 1928, where they established what became the Alexander Wholesale Produce Company and grocery store.
Lillye attended Eugene Field Elementary, Clovis Junior High (now Marshall), and Clovis High School. She was the senior class secretary, cheerleader, member of GDC (social club), and she was always a true Clovis Wildcat. Lillye graduated from CHS in 1943 and had already fallen in love with a handsome New Mexico State engineering major, Bill Toliver. They married on January 19, 1944, before he was commissioned and shipped out to fight in the war.
While Bill was overseas, Lillye made her home with her parents and welcomed their daughter, Jan, on March 2, 1945. When Bill returned, they began their life as a family, and he began his career as a civil engineer. Lillye and Bill were married for 72 years.
Lillye loved her home and always created a welcoming and beautiful place for her family to live. She was an avid reader, and both of her daughters followed in her footsteps. Bill and Lillye's second daughter, Susan, was born on August 8, 1952. As Bill pursued his career, they lived in many interesting places and traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. Lillye enjoyed visiting art museums, attending plays, politics, and was active in support of public libraries. They returned home to Clovis when Bill retired in 1985. Lillye was a member of the 16th & Pile Church of Christ. She was an excellent bridge player and was a member of several bridge clubs. Lillye was a donor to the Young Masters Art Program, sponsored by the Clovis Education Foundation. She also enjoyed collecting antiques and paintings, but her favorite pastime was always reading. Lillye especially liked reading biographies about George Washington. In later years, she often remarked she had lived a wonderful life.
Her passion was her family, and they returned her love equally. She was a strong woman and created a legacy of strong women. Lillye is survived by one daughter, Jan Toliver Cox: two granddaughters, Carrie Cox Geisler (John), and Nellie Lillye Toliver; and one great granddaughter, Tanner Alexandra Geisler. ""Her children arise up, and call her blessed."-Proverbs 31:28
Lillye passed away peacefully in her home on August 26, 2017, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, daughter, Susan Jean Toliver, her parents, Hulon and Nellie Alexander, and her brother, Bob Alexander.
The family want to express their gratitude to St. Anthony's Rehabilitation Center, home caregivers, Sylvia Garcia, Yolanda Sanchez, Angela Johnson, personal hairdresser, Roberta Chavez, and Kindred Hospice for their kindness, competence, and excellent care they gave our mother, grandmother. and great grandmother.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 31st, 10:30 am at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens. Officiating the service will be Michael Harmon. Pallbearers will be church deacons, Fred Eichcnberger, John Geisler, Seth Martin, Chad Davis, Bob Bennett, and Frank Whitecotton. Honorary pallbearers will be the 16th & Pile elders. Don McCasland, Bob Norris, and Ronnie Montague.
You are invited to make contributions to your favorite charity in honor of Lillye. The family will be at Lillye's home on Wednesday. August 30th. 4:30- 6:00 p.m. for friends who want to visit.

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