In Loving Memory of Marva "Dolly" Marie Brown (Tobin)
Marva “Dolly” Marie Brown (Tobin) was called to her Heavenly home on March 10, 2022.
Born and raised in Arcadia, Louisiana, Dolly was the youngest daughter of 10 children born to the late Reverend Lorris S. Tobin, and Arbella Tobin. Dolly accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, she was baptized and joined the church at a very early age. At age 12, Dolly sang and played the piano alongside her Father in his ministry. Dolly received her high school education at Arcadia Colored High. It is there where she met the love of her life, Willie Brown. Their love story would come later.
Dolly relocated to Seattle, Washington with her family and became the Minister of Music for the youth choir at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. She received a scholarship and studied Music at Seattle University. She went on to acquire much success in the music ministry, and performed at various churches in the Seattle Metropolitan area. Dolly served as Minister of Music for many years alongside her Father Reverend Tobin who founded St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church.
Dolly shared 2 children April Y. Bolar and Matthew F. Bolar from a previous marriage. She was eventually reunited with her childhood sweetheart Willie Brown in New York City where the lovebirds got married and moved to Seattle, Washington to start a beautiful life together.
Willie and Dolly raised 5 beautiful children in Seattle. She retired from US West Communications, formerly known as Pacific Northwest Bell after 31 years of Service Excellence. After retirement, the couple moved to Moses Lake, Washington. Dolly served as Minister of Music at New Life Missionary Baptist Church alongside her brother Reverend Raymond E. Tobin, Sr. Dolly was the Founder of the Moses Lake Gospel Community Choir and she performed at local churches and community events. She briefly came out of retirement to become a bus driver for the Moses Lake School District, and she truly enjoyed working with children. The couple lived in Moses Lake for over 25 years, and eventually moved to the great state of Texas to be closer to their daughters.
Dolly continued her love of music where she often played her piano and sang for close friends and family. She was beloved by many, her beautiful voice and laughter will remain a constant memory to all who knew her. “Those that touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.“
Dolly was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Willie Brown, her parents, the late Reverend Lorris S. Tobin and Arbella Tobin, her daughter, April Bolar, her brothers Lorris S. Tobin Jr. (Tealie), James Tobin (Jake), Billy Tobin, Pastor Raymond E. Tobin Sr., Ezra Tobin, and her sister, Earldeen Black. She is survived by her children Matthew F. Bolar, Diane Browning (Lance Browning), Shirelle Reed and Willie “Todd” Brown. Siblings Edna Lockhart, Reverend Thomas E. Tobin, and Gladys Kilgore. Grandchildren, Franzino Bolar, Jasmine Bolar, Dante Brooks (Brittany) and Dorian Brooks (Charelle), Darielle Reed, and Peyton and Isabella Brown. Dolly is also survived by 16 Great-grand children and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins across several states. She also leaves many close friends from all over to mourn her passing and celebrate her life.
A Memorial Service celebrating Dolly’s life will be held at 11a Saturday, March 26 at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 2001 Bonnie Brae, Fort Worth, Texas 76111
