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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF DORTHA MAE TOLLIVER
WHEREAS, Dortha Mae Tolliver, who departed this life on September 30, 2024, left behind a legacy of love, faith, and community service; and
WHEREAS, Dortha Mae Tolliver was born on March 10, 1926, in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, to Delitha and John Wesley McKeever, Sr. She was the fifth of 13 siblings and was raised in a close-knit family that cherished faith and community. She accepted Christ at an early age and faithfully attended Asberry Baptist Church with her family; and
WHEREAS, Dortha Mae Tolliver pursued her education with determination, attending Grambling University on a basketball scholarship, an achievement that demonstrated her drive and talent. She later moved to Monroe, Louisiana, where she met and married the love of her life, Claude Lee Tolliver, on December 9, 1949. Their union was blessed with four children: Lorain Tolliver-Smith, Dortha D. Butler, Danny M. Tolliver, and Theresa Fox; and
WHEREAS, in 1950, Dortha and Claude relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where they built a life filled with hard work, faith, and dedication. Both found employment in industry-leading factories, contributing to the economic strength of the region. After a workplace injury, Mrs. Dortha became a devoted homemaker, pouring her energy into nurturing her family and supporting the broader community; and
WHEREAS, Dortha Mae Tolliver and her husband Claude became pillars of their Chicago community, providing a stable foundation and support for family members relocating from Louisiana in pursuit of better opportunities. They embraced their Catholic faith, becoming active members of St. Ambrose, St. Leo, and later, St. Sabina parishes, as well as the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver, and ensured their children received a strong education through the parochial schools of their respective parishes; and
WHEREAS, in October 2017, Claude and Dortha moved to McKinney, Texas, where they continued their tradition of community and faith, joining One Community Church in Prosper, Texas. Throughout their time together, they traveled widely, shared their love of scripture, and delighted in the fellowship of friends and family. Mrs. Dortha was known for her sweet disposition, daily reading of scripture, and her talent at the card table, particularly in the game of Bid Whist, where she and Claude made a formidable team; and
WHEREAS, Dortha Mae Tolliver remained a faithful partner to her husband Claude for 74 years, a testament to their enduring love and devotion, until his passing on May 15, 2023. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, dedication to family, and a life lived in service to others; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Dortha Mae Tolliver’s life stands as an example of the power of love, faith, and community, inspiring those who knew her and those whose lives she touched. She is now reunited with Claude and other loved ones who have gone before her.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the President and members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, along with the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dortha Mae Tolliver, and express our profound gratitude for the legacy she leaves behind. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her impact will be felt for generations to come; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dortha Mae Tolliver as a symbol of our respect and admiration for her life of service, faith, and love.
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