Emma Jean Swift-Tolliver

Emma Jean Swift-Tolliver was born to Annie and Carrol McFarland, Sr., on May 23, 1942, in Woodville, Mississippi. Emma Jean confessed her life to Christ at an early age at Angola Baptist Church in Woodville, Mississippi. After high school, Emma Jean moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to live with her aunt, Bessie Lee, with whom she stayed until she met and married James Swift. The couple went on to move to Chicago, Illinois, and to this union, one child was born. They later moved to Maywood, Illinois, where they lived until his death. Emma Jean later met and married Charles Tolliver, Sr., whom she loved and cared for until his death. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Melrose Park where she was part of the Willing Workers, under the leadership of Pastor H. McNelty. Emma Jean later received the honor of becoming a beloved Mother on the Mother’s Board, under the leadership of Pastor John L. Belser, until her departure. Emma Jean loved basketball—she even played in high school. You could always catch her watching NBA games, either jumping up because her team scored or, in later years, lying in bed shouting at the TV. She was a Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers fan. Emma Jean had a smile that could light up a room. She enjoyed talking and catching up with family and friends. Emma Jean did not hold her tongue. She told it like it was, whether you liked it or not. We loved that about her along with her kind heart and caring spirit. If you ever needed her, she was there. Emma Jean had two very special men in her life who she held dear to her heart. Her godson, Curtis “Scooter” McFarland, Jr., and her grandson, Al’lon J. “Mane” Carter. If you knew anything about Emma Jean, you knew she loved the Lord and her church home. She will be missed greatly by all. Emma Jean leaves to rejoice in her memory: her children, Gail Swift and Charles Tolliver, Jr., both of Chicago, IL, and Constance (Albert) Carter of Hillside, IL; grandchildren, Courtney (Jeremy) Henderson of Bloomingdale, IL, and Al’lon Carter of Hillside, IL; three greatgrandchildren; brothers, Nolan (Joyce) McFarland of New Orleans, LA, Carroll McFarland of Maywood, IL, Curtis (Tammy) McFarland and Malcom (Lawanda) Lewis, both of Woodville, MS, and Oren Swift; sisters, Delphine (Charles) Smith of Boutique, LA, Mertis Tolliver of Woodville, MS, Elnora Greene, Willie Mae Clark, Frances Richardson, and Bertha (Charlie) Dunbar; aunt, Emma Jackson of Denver, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Many loved ones who preceded her in death, including her parents, Annie and Carrol McFarland, Sr.; sister, Eardean Tuesno; husbands, James Swift and Charles Tolliver, Sr.; grandson, Keon Carter; as well as one niece, four aunts, and five uncles.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emma Jean Swift-Tolliver, please visit our floral store.