Cecilia Faye Tolley

With deep sadness we share that Rev. Cecilia Faye Tolley passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2023 in Oklahoma City after a brief illness. Cecilia grew up in Oklahoma City and was called to ministry at a young age. Her faith journey explored several theologies, which ultimately lead her to be ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was a member of Western Oaks (DOC) Christian Church, Oklahoma City.

Rev. Tolley received her BA in Management and Human Relations in 1996 from Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville. While in Nashville she completed her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. She returned to Oklahoma and was ordained into the Christian Church (DOC) on June 12, 2016 at Northwest Christian Church, Oklahoma City.

Cecilia was drawn to Native American spirituality and history, and in 2010 completed an MA in Native American Studies from the University of California, Davis. She was also a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner/Reiki Master.

Rev. Tolley felt called to serve as a chaplain in the Palliative Care Unit for veterans in hospice and long-term recovery for the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Oklahoma City, where she worked for several years. Most recently she served as minister for First Christian Church Pond Creek in northern Oklahoma. Over the past few years, she also enjoyed the love and companionship with horses.

Cecilia is preceded in death by her son, Micah Ray Elzy-Tolley

She is survived by her mother Nadine Tolley, sister Linda Tolley Parker, extended family, good friends, her beloved horse, Annie, and her dog.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baggerley.com for the Tolley family.