Joan F. Baxter Tolliver

Joan F. Baxter Tolliver, a beloved member the Carrollton community, has passed away at the age of 89. She was born on May 22, 1934, in Carrollton, KY, and she peacefully left this world on January 1, 2024, at Signature Healthcare in Carrollton with family by her side.

Joan led a fulfilling and diverse career throughout her life. She dedicated many years as a secretary for the City of Carrollton Street Department. Additionally, she worked as a waitress in various local restaurants such as The Lincoln Inn, The Hamburger Joint, and The Poppy Shop. Joan's commitment to hard work extended beyond these roles as she also served at Lerman Brothers Department Store and Teledyne-Wirz Tube Factory.

One of the hallmarks of Joan's life was her passion for music. For years, she served as the organist for Gentry-Riley Funeral Home and Tandy-Eckler-Riley Funeral Home. Her musical talent brought comfort and solace to grieving families during their most challenging times.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Joan was an active member of the Carrollton Wesleyan Church. She faithfully served as the church pianist for many years and shared her knowledge and love for music by teaching Sunday School. Her dedication to her faith and commitment to her church community were unwavering.

Outside of work and church commitments, Joan had a remarkable skill as a seamstress. She found joy in sewing and poured her creativity into each stitch. Her talent was evident in the beautiful garments she created throughout her life.

She leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by her surviving family and friends. Joan is survived by her sons Robert E. (Nana) Adams of Carrollton, KY; Karl Joe (Maralene) Tolliver Jr. of Milton, KY; and Christopher A. Tolliver of Madisonville, KY. Her grandchildren Lisa (Scott) Nab of Carrollton, KY; Wayne Adams of Carrollton, KY; Jody (Jason) Raker of Shelbyville, KY; Sherra Tolliver of Milton, KY; Nathan (Cassidy) Tolliver of Milton, KY; Katherine Tolliver of Madisonville, KY; and Lauren (Brandon) Howard of Beaver Dam, KY will forever hold memories with their beloved grandmother.

Joan's legacy extends through the generations with her great-grandchildren: Kaleb Nab, Kameron Nab, Jayden Raker, Jordyn Raker, Jude Raker, Kyler Tolliver, Brayden Tolliver, Collin Tolliver, Tanner Hallgarth, and Myles Howard. The joy she experienced through her great-great-grandchild Raelyn Tolliver brought her immense happiness in her final years.

Joan will be remembered not only for her achievements but also for the impact she had on those closest to her. In her passing, Joan joins her loved ones who preceded her in death: her husband, Karl Joe Tolliver, Sr., her daughter Darlena Rose Tolliver; daughter-in-law Amy Tolliver; sisters Della Wilson, Kathryn Plew, Jean Hackney, and Eva Ingram; brothers Jesse Baxter Jr., Robert Baxter, James Baxter, and Vernon Baxter.

A visitation to honor Joan's life will be held on January 6th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Carrollton Wesleyan Church located at 216 3rd St in Carrollton, Kentucky. Following the visitation at 1:00 PM will be a Funeral Service also held at Carrollton Wesleyan Church oficiated by the Rev. John Bowling. Friends and loved ones are invited to attend both services to pay their respects to Joan.

Joan F. Baxter Tolliver was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many through her dedication to work, love for music, creativity in sewing, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace, her memory forever etched in our hearts.

Memorial gifts may take the form of contributions to: Hospice of the Bluegrass or Carroll County Food Pantry.  Envelopes will be available at the church.