Lucille M. Golliver's Obituary
Lucille M. Golliver, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2018. A lifelong Muskegon resident, she was born February 25, 1932 to Charles and Jennie (Thornberg) Hofmann and graduated from Muskegon High in 1950. After graduation, Lucille worked for Muskegon Bank (now known as PNC Bank) for six years, but she spent most of her adult life as a homemaker after she married Roger A. Golliver, Sr. in 1955. Roger proposed to Lucille at a creek near Dangl Rd., and the couple remained married for 62 years, until his death in 2017. Roger helped build their home on Harvey St., which was a quiet dirt road when they moved in more than 60 years ago. Lucille lived in the same house until her death. Lucille’s life was defined by her faith and her exemplary care for her family, as she raised three children and formed close bonds with nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. She nursed her mother in Jennie’s old age and watched over Roger’s parents in their later years. Lucille also diligently assisted Roger after he lost his eyesight in 2005, eventually staying by his side while he was in hospice care for nearly a year. Remembered by her children as strict and no-nonsense, Lucille delighted in her grandchildren. “Grandma G” organized annual summer trips to Michigan’s Adventure, buying tickets and preparing lunches for everyone. When friends visited, she loved to show off the family pictures that she carefully arranged on her mantel. Lucille also had a sweet tooth, treating herself with candy, pears and the dessert bars at her favorite restaurants for family gatherings, Bonanza and Asian Buffet. And after Christmas tree farm outings, she always surprised her grandchildren with Little Debbie cakes once the work was done. An early riser, Lucille liked to drink her morning tea while appreciating the birds and Monarch butterflies that visited her front yard. She also loved long walks in the woods behind her home, pointing out her favorite trees and raking up acorns to build trails. Whenever friends or family mentioned traveling out of state, she always insisted that Michigan and its varied seasons had everything anyone would need. While Lucille was no fan of technology, she passed the time by watching episodes of The Waltons and listening to Johnny Cash records. Lucille was an active member of Hope Reformed Church for most of her life, where she belonged to the Senior Fellowship Group, led the Prayer Chain, and taught Sunday School. Roger and Lucille were surprised with a 50th wedding anniversary party at the church, and many of their closest friends were fellow churchgoers.
SURVIVORS include her son, Roger, and Karen (Benjamin, Daniel, Aaron) of Beaverton, OR; her daughter, Debra (Dawn, William, Angel) of Muskegon, MI; her son, Michael (Jillian, Jennifer, Joshua) of Muskegon, MI.; and great-granddaughters, Lyric and Aeris. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charles Hofmann; and sister, Elaine TenHove. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Hope Reformed Church (1878 Evanston Ave.) with Pastor Steve Hyma officiating. VISITATION with the family will be from 5-7 PM Monday, November 5, 2018 at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 E. Apple Ave. (231-726-5210) and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Reformed Church. Please feel free to share a memory with the family on their online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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