FayEtta Tolliver

October 31, 1938 – February 26, 2026

With heavy yet grateful hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Mamaw, FayEtta Leach Tolliver, who entered her eternal home on February 26, 2026. After being surrounded by the love of her family in the days leading up to her passing, she slipped peacefully into eternity in the quiet hours of the night, with her son by her side.

Born at home in Speedwell, Tennessee, on October 31, 1938, to Clay and Eva Bean Leach, FayEtta was the oldest of three children followed by Ruby and C.J. From a young age, responsibility shaped her life. When her father became disabled, she left high school to help her mother keep up the family farm, a quiet act of sacrifice that defined the strength and devotion she carried throughout her life.

Hard work was simply who she was. She worked on the farm and beyond it, cleaned homes alongside her sister Ruby, and faithfully served her community for many years as a janitor and lunch lady at PVES. She was known for keeping a spotless home, a kitchen that never rested, and babies in her arms. She lovingly kept her grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren while their parents worked. For many of them, Mamaw was not just part of childhood…she was its foundation.

She was especially gifted in gardening, canning, and cooking. Her pickles, holiday stuffing balls, fried hand pies, and home-cooked meals brought everyone to the table. Her cellar shelves, lined with jars from her garden, were a visible sign of her provision and care. She quilted with steady hands and patient stitches, creating blankets that will continue to warm generations. She loved riding her four-wheeler slow and steady through the holler, never one to sit still when there was work to be done. Even small things, like a jar of pickles, a hidden chess pie with the crust missing, or a hillside cleared of rocks, will forever carry her memory.

She was strong. Her strength was perhaps most evident in life’s hardest seasons. She overcame breast cancer, not once, but twice, and with quiet courage. The loss of her youngest daughter, Janet, was immeasurable. In the midst of that heartbreak, she stepped forward to raise Janet’s young sons, Jonah and Jarrett. It was a powerful reflection of her sacrificial love and unwavering commitment to family.

She shared nearly 70 years of marriage with J. D. They were married on July 20, 1957 and together they raised three children, Judy, Jeff, and Janet, building a home rooted in faith, resilience, and steady commitment. They were a porch-sitting couple, content to sit side by side, weathering life together in quiet strength.

FayEtta was saved at a young age and lived her faith daily. She was a longtime member and secretary of Shady Grove Baptist Church. Her trust in the Lord guided her through every joy and every trial.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, J. D. Tolliver; her daughter, Judy (Sonny) Miller; her son, Jeffrey (Melanie) Tolliver; her grandchildren, Miranda (Tyler) Adams, Tamara (Adam) Smith, Deejay (Kristen) Tolliver, Brianna (Jaren) Hacker, Jonah Brock, and Jarrett Brock; and nine great-grandchildren: Mattie, Adison, Adan, Gatlin, Maizley, Archer, Fisher, Whitney, Gunner, and Graham. She is also survived by her sister, Ruby Carroll, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clay and Eva Leach; her brother, C.J. Leach; and her daughter, Janet Brock.

Above all, FayEtta trusted the Lord faithfully through every season of life. We take comfort in knowing she is now whole, healed, and at peace in His presence.

Visitation will be held at Coffey Funeral Home of Harrogate on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with funeral services to follow at 7:00 PM. Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Johnson/Leach Cemetery in Speedwell, Tennessee. Anyone wishing to follow in procession is asked to be at Coffey Funeral Home in Harrogate by 9:00 AM.

Her life was a blessing, her strength a legacy, and her love will endure for generations.

Officiating: Rev. Mitchell Keck

Pallbearers: Tyler Adams, Adam Smith, Deejay Tolliver, Jaren Hacker, Jonah Brock, Jarrett Brock

Honorary Pallbearers: Jeffrey Tolliver, Sonny Miller