William Tolliver

A Life to Be Remembered…

“Early in the morning on Monday, September 27, 2021 God sent His Angel down for His son…

William “Bill” Tolliver was born on February 10, 1943 in Norfolk County, Virginia to Joseph and Geneva Tolliver.  He attended and graduated Crestwood High School.

Bill married his wife Joan after graduating Crestwood High School.  He was an avid bowler and won numerous championships! However, Bill’s true passion was cooking!  He was loved to cook and was very good at!  Bill was the Chef at Morrison’s Cafeteria for several years before he opened “Darlin Bakery” in the early 1990s.

                Bill owned and operated “Darlin Bakery” in Portsmouth for over 20 years.  He opened his first store on Airline Blvd in Portsmouth and then relocated to Tower Mall, in Hampton Coliseum, and on Tyre Neck Road.  In addition to sailing bake goods Bill sold dinners and provided his famous desserts to a number of local restaurants.  He infamous for his “Jacks”!  

                He was a very quiet man, but he loved his family very much.  He would light up at the mention of his children or grandchildren.  Even in his last days Gwen “Denise” would remind him that “it’s just you and me, so you can’t leave me,” and he would reply “not until it’s time baby, not until it’s time.”

                William was preceded in death by his mother and father (Joseph and Geneva Tolliver), his sister (Sarah Anderson), wife (Joan Tolliver) and his son (William Tolliver Jr.).  He is survived by four brothers: Joseph Tolliver (Doris); Vernon Tolliver (Peola); Ervin Tolliver (Charlene); Daniel Tolliver (Mary); and on sister; Thelma Tolliver; 5 children Karen Ortiz (Rafael); Gwendolyn Tolliver; Melvin Tolliver; Brandon Jackson (Nikia); Rosa Avant (Curtis Jr.); and 1 Daughter-in-Law Wandza Tolliver.  14 Grandkids Dontae Ortiz, Aurelia, Kiera Ortiz; Marquette Tolliver, Jamelle Tolliver; Sheria Tolliver; Imani Tolliver, Destiny Tolliver; Heaven Jackson, Isabella Jackson, Israel Jackson, Tiana Wrighton; Octavia Avant, Curtis Avant III.   A host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and some other special Friends

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Tolliver, please visit our floral store.