Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. -Proverbs 31:10

Malissia Lynette Reed Tolliver was born to Roy Lee and Catherine Reed on July 25, 1965. Malissia was beautiful inside and out, and was a joy to be around. She always greeted her loved ones with a smile. Later in life that smile would catch the attention of Winston Lee Tolliver who she would later marry and bless their union with 4 beautiful children. Malissia embodied Proverbs 31:10-31 for she strived daily to uphold her duties as wife, mother, and most of all child of God.

During her childhood, Malissia professed her belief in Christ, and was later baptized as a member of Harrison Chapel Baptist Church.  She took her membership very seriously and remained faithful in attendance, serving as Secretary, singing in the church choir as well as the Antoine Community Choir, and any other duties asked of her until her health failed.

Malissia grew up attending school at Delight Public School where she excelled in her studies, participated on the Lady Bulldogs Basketball Jr. and Sr. teams, the track teams, and was elected Delight High School Homecoming Queen for the 1982-83 school year. Malissia was known and loved by all of her classmates for her pleasant and friendly demeanor. She graduated high school with honors with the class of 1983, and furthered her education at Henderson State University the following fall.

Because of her love for children, Malissia pursued and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. After graduating college, Malissia began her professional career teaching at her high school alma mater as the districts third grade teacher. Malissia loved each and every one of her students and took the time to nurture and encourage them all to do their very best in everything they set out to accomplish. Malissia was an advocate for her students, and would often encourage family and community involvement. Malissia continued to teach at Delight Elementary School until a decision was made to consolidate schools with Murfreesboro School District in 2019. Malissia then went on to continue her teaching career at Blevins Elementary until her health failed.   

On Friday, January 27, 2023 Malissia peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at her home surrounded by family. Malissia will forever be a beacon of light and hope to all who encountered her. She lived her life in a manner that all who knew her also knew that she gave her all to the Lord. She leaves a legacy of deep abiding faith, unconditional love, courage, and strength that is expressed by all the lives she touched. Malissia is now a welcomed addition to those who transitioned before her, to the world beyond vision. A place not made by man’s hands, a place in Heaven to live forevermore.

There to welcome her into Heaven’s glory is her loving son Daniel, her proud father Roy Lee Reed, and her granny Rosie Lee Jones.

Gone from this earth but not from our hearts, Malissia leaves to cherish her precious memories, her husband of 27 years, Winston Tolliver, her bonus daughter Kiana Tolliver, grandchildren (Braelyn, Gabriel and Ariyah)  Makayla Tolliver (Tory) of Hot Springs, AR. Her two sons Kaleb Tolliver and Kennan Tolliver of Delight, AR. Her mother Catherine Reed of Delight, AR.  her sister Angela Reed-Warren (Derek) and nephew Darian of Maumelle, AR. her cousin raised as a sister Michelle Furlow and her loving grandmother Minnie Ola Furlow of Delight, AR. Others sharing in those memories include her sisters and brothers-in-love,  Gary,Shirley, Sharon, Larry, and Craig, her lifelong friends Caithy, Karen, and Vera and classmates of Delight High School graduating class of 1983, and her very special friend Sandra Jones of Magnolia, and a host of Aunts, cousins, and extended family and friends.

Services are under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visitation will be on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 12 noon- 6:00 P.M. at Mitchell Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 11 :00 A.M. at Harrison Chapel Baptist Church in Delight, AR where Pastor Travell Green will serve as officiant and Rev. Rufus Hatley, pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Gurdon, AR, will serve as eulogist. Mrs. Malissia Tolliver will lie in state at the church from 10 A.M.- 11 A.M. for final viewing. Burial and final resting place will be in Harrison Chapel Cemetery in Delight, AR.