Tolliver was born in Jackson, MS to Willie Vaughn and Laura (McNeil) Thompson on March 2, 1952.  Tolliver moved to Akron, Ohio at an early age.  After graduating high school, Tolliver joined the Army and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age.

He worked and retired from the Akron Public Library, where he was well known and loved by everyone.

On June 13, 1987, Tolliver married the love of his life, Jonilon, and to that union, Brianna was born.

Tolliver enjoyed reading, traveling, listening to blues music, building and fixing things, and spending time with his family.  Tolliver was a family man. He fostered many children over the years, all of whom still love and cherish him.

Tolliver was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Vaughn, Laura and McNeil Thompson; brother, Robert Vaughn; two infant sons, Anthony Davis, and Tolliver Vaughn.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 31 years, Jonilon Vaughn; daughters, Marketta Turner, Darshonda Vaughn, Tamara, Tara and Tasha Davis, Brianna Vaughn, Marce` Compton-Vaughn, Charelle Vaughn and Saunja Mayfield; son Brandon Evans; a host of grandchildren; brothers, Wilbur (Minnie) Vaughn, Johnny (Shirley) Moore, McNeil (Diedre) and Mark Thompson; sister, Maxine Thompson; mother-in-law, Deloris Evans; sister-in-law, Rene (Donnell) Hilton; Sharlene Wright and Deborah Tucker; brother-in-law John Evans, a very special cousin, Jessie Elease Jones and a host of nieces and nephews.