Deacon Lawrence Edward Toliver, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, peacefully answered his Savior’s call on December 11, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on December 9, 1937, in Fincastle, to Edward and Bertha Burrell-Toliver, and was the youngest of eight children, all of whom preceded him in death.
Lawrence joined Lapsley Run Baptist Church early in life and later became a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Amsterdam. When that congregation merged with Cloverdale Baptist Church to form Spirit of Unity Baptist Church, he continued his faithful service there as a Deacon. He attended school at Academy Hill in Fincastle. Upon graduation, Lawrence enlisted in the United States Army, serving a combined six years of active and reserve duty as an electric generator motor repairman. During his military service, he advanced rapidly from Private to Enlisted Rank 4. He completed basic training at Fort Belvoir, Va,, and was deployed on a tour in France. On January 14, 1960, he received an honorable early separation following overseas service.
On January 16, 1965, a day filled with hope and promise, Lawrence married his beloved wife, Jean Clarice Taylor. Together they built a home rooted in unconditional love, laughter, and steadfast support. They shared 60 years of marriage, walking through life side by side until his passing.
Lawrence’s deep love for family extended into his professional life. As a manager at Howard Johnson’s Restaurant, he employed and uplifted many families and friends, creating meaningful opportunities during a pivotal time for those he hired. He was an equity-minded, socially responsible, empowerment-driven leader, compassionate, inclusive, and committed to second chances. A mentorship-oriented manager and community-centered employer, Lawrence was a benevolent leader positioned by God to provide stability and opportunity for others, as well as for his own family. His spirit of generosity and provision became a foundation for many.
Those blessed to know Lawrence remember him as far more than a respected manager. He was also a devoted family documentarian who found joy in recording everyday moments and milestones. A keeper of memories, he intentionally captured the faces, voices, and laughter of those he loved. Nostalgic and sentimental, he understood the value of preserving moments for future generations.
Those left to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy include his wife, Jean Clarice Toliver; five sons and three daughters-in-law, Vincent Coston (Saundra), Lawrence Toliver, Jr. (Cynthia), Michael Byrdsong, Elton Toliver (Hanna), and Gene Toliver; one daughter and son-in-law, Tanya Jones (Johnnie “Jay”); nine grandchildren, Evannie, Karryssa, Trey, Demetri “DJ,” Alina, Aesia, Morgan, Alexander, and Xavier; two great-grandchildren, Lilly and Nathan; nephews, Richard, Douglas, Arnold, Stanley, Chris, Thomas, George, Michael, Charles and John Patterson; nieces, Jackie, Sharon, Tilly, Deborah, Edna, Martha, Audrey, Carrie and Eva; and a host of cousins, great- and great-great-nephews and -nieces; one brother-in-law Alvin (Patricia) Smith; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Brown and Esperanza (Peyton) Burrell; special nephews, James (Jimmy) Toliver, Orlando (Lee) Toliver, and Kelvin Toliver; special friends, George “Wendy” Warren, The Clay Brothers, Douglas Smith, Robert Johnson, John Blaney, and Robert “Bobby” Johnson. With deep gratitude, the family acknowledges Terry and Deborah Richie, whose friendship and steadfast support held a special place in Lawrence’s life.
The Homegoing Celebration was held December 20, 2025 in the Spirit of Unity Baptist Church, with interment in Greenfield Cemetery. Arrangements were by Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan.
