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Celebrating the life of Erin Lawrence Tokley
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Obituary for Erin Lawrence Tokley
A celebration of Erin's life will occur on
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Viewing Only
Wood Funeral Home, Inc. 5537-39 West Girard Avenue Philadelphia, Pa. 18131
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Calvary Baptist Church 6122 Haverford Avenue Philadelphia, Pa. 19151
Viewing: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m.
Live Stream Service will be available for those family and friends who are not able to attend.
Click third box under Erin's picture to join in.
Life Story
True strength lies in what one has to offer, not in what one has to gain. Minister Toke learned this lesson early. As a gifted child, wise beyond his years, he knew he had to give his gifts away.
Reverend Erin Lawrence Tokley, affectionately known as “Minister Toke”, was born on December 20, 1973, to James and Ikelyn Tokley. Toke was educated in the Philadelphia School District as a Lincoln High School Railsplitter. The youngest of two boys, Erin was raised in a family and faith foundation household. As a child, growing up at Morris Brown AME Church, he gave his gifts away, praising God in song, words and deeds. At the young age of 15, Erin was the co-founder, primary writer and one of the lead singers in a gospel recording group, “Royal Blood”. Later, the group blossomed into “Family”. Toke continued with his music career with
“Rowdy Black Giants”, while also being a member of the music duo “Mr. Jones” and singing countless times with the “Side By Sol” band.
In 1997 Erin became a police officer with the Philadelphia Police Department. As a police officer, he gave his gifts away. He knew he had to obey God’s laws, the laws in the books and the laws in the community. Erin spent the majority of his years in the 25th District and the Civil Affairs Unit, and his final year with the 12th District. The day Erin was called Home was his 24th year with the Department.
As a young minister, at Calvary Baptist Church, he gave his gifts away, to the pulpit, to the choir, to the youth ministry and to the security of his church family under the esteemed guidance and tutelage of Pastor Dr. Garth G. Gittens. Minister Toke was known for his distinctive approach to preaching the word of God, a style he referred to as “practical application”, sharing God’s message in a way practical enough for all to be able to understand and apply it to their lives.
Indeed, strength lies in what one has to offer, not in what one has to gain. Until his very last day, Toke continued to offer so much to so many. The gifts he gave away to us all will last forever.
As a young man, a devoted son, husband, father and friend, Toke gave his gifts away, like an angel on a righteous mission, with God as his rock, his sword and shield. Erin Tokley leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Octavia M. Tokley, his children, Tamaira, Xavier, and Amethyst, his loving parents, Ikelyn L. Tokley and James E. Tokley (Joanna), his siblings Shadeed Bin Al-Shaair and LaToya Tokley, his Godchildren Jayda Grant, Egypt Staley, Faith Bradley and Imanye Duvalsaint, his Uncles, Isaac Maefield and Darnell Maefield, many nieces and nephews who were more like his children, and a host of other family and friends.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your
ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”. Proverbs 3:5-6
