November 26, 1928 — September 24, 2022
Margaret Oleta Toliver passed away on September 24, 2022, in Brownfield, Texas, at the age of 93. Oleta was born on November 26, 1928, in Slaton, Texas, to Alice Mae and Carl O. Stewart. Her generous life of love and kindness endures through her children, Dr. Cliff Toliver of Reeds, MO, and Alice Drake (Glenn) of Dallas, TX, and her 2 grandsons, Benjamin Drake and Zachary Drake (Erin), her 2 great-grandchildren, Madeline and Hunter Drake, all of Dallas.
During her long and happy life, Oleta was dedicated to a life of service to her family, friends, church, and community. She was the District Director of Children’s Work for the Methodist Church. She served as Worthy Matron of Brownfield Chapter #785, Order of the Eastern Star, and Mother Advisor for Brownfield Assembly, Order of Rainbow Girls.
As a teacher at Brownfield High School, Oleta was Director of Publications, Radio, and Graphic Arts for several years. She taught Spanish levels I-IV and Spanish Culture. She also chaired the pilot program for Texas in Latin American Studies, and conducted a volunteer program for elementary school Spanish, with the help of her advanced Spanish students, who also served as teachers. Oleta’s Spanish Program was honored as the outstanding program in the State of Texas. She was appointed to the President’s National Council on Languages and was elected to the Board of National Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Oleta retired after twenty years of classroom teaching and was named Outstanding Citizen of Terry County by the Brownfield Chamber of Commerce in 1982. She is also a published author.
Throughout her lifetime, Oleta inspired all her students to achieve their utmost and to be committed to fulfilling their advanced education. Many followed her example, by becoming teachers and education advocates. Her life of dedication made the world a far better place.
Oleta was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She spent her entire life giving unselfishly to others, and her unfailing loyalty and faithfulness endeared her to everyone who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her dear husband of 73 years, Coke Toliver. Oleta will be missed but never forgotten.
A private memorial service was held at Terry County Memorial Cemetery, attended by her immediate family, under the care of Brownfield Funeral Home.
