Anita (Baker) Tolliver

Anita Louise Tolliver, passed away on July 7, 2022 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center with her husband, Steve and family by her side.

Anita was born on June 22, 1958 in Harlan, Kentucky to Nobe and Jo Ann Napier Baker.  

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years and four days, Steve Tolliver, Harlan; her father, Nobe Baker of Bledsoe, Kentucky; one sister in law Julie Tolliver of Lexington, Kentucky; two first cousins, Laura Ann Miniard of Virginia Beach, and April (Steve) Reece of Fenton, Michigan; one Aunt, Kathaleen Juve of Fenton, Michigan; two God Children Jessica (Ben) Brown, and Joshua Reece, Michigan; and three loving fur babies, Frosty, Ellie Mae, and Lotti Tolliver, all of Harlan.  Anita is also survived by a host of extended cousins, relatives, and more friends than can be counted.

Anita was preceded in death by her mother Jo Ann Napier Baker, one uncle Bill Baker, first cousin Micky Miniard, and grandparents Marion and Ann Napier, and Harrison and Mary Baker.

She is a graduate of James A. Cawood High School, Southeast Community College, and Union College achieving the post graduate level of Rank 1.  She loved teaching, with 5^th and 6^th grades being her favorites.  She was lovingly referred to by students as “Mean Ole Miss Baker, and later, Mean Ole Ms. Tolliver.”  She enjoyed seeing “her kids” excel in school and in life.  She also served as principal of Green Hills Elementary School, followed by key roles in the Central Office of the Harlan County Board of Education. 

Anita was extremely talented and enjoyed music, crafts, and painting.  She made beautiful quilts, paintings, stained glass and ceramic artwork.  There wasn’t a craft or art form she couldn’t learn and master.  Anita loved decorating for holidays, creating beautiful displays throughout the home.  She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends with Steve, often under the name of “The Grays Knob Grill”.   She often posted photos of “Grays Knob Grill” meals on Facebook which led to several people driving all around Grays Knob looking for a real restaurant which was actually just Anita and Steve’s deck.

Anita was a strong Christian and member of the Loyall United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed fellowship with all her friends at church. She also participated in various community events and groups.  She loved shopping and traveling with family and friends until her health issues became more restrictive.  

She loved these glorious mountains and the people here so much. Many are hurting now, but her legacy lives on in the lives she touched.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 10^th from 4 – 7 PM at Henson & Rich Funeral Home and after 10 AM Monday, July 11th at 10 AM with funeral services beginning at 11 o'clock at the funeral home with Rev. Arnold Hammons officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery with family & friends serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to either the Loyall United Methodist Church P.O. Box 323 Loyall, Kentucky 40854 or to Friends of the Shelter/Harlan County Animal Shelter 394 State Highway 840, Baxter, KY 40806.

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