Thomas Ray Toliver

Thomas Ray Toliver, our "Pepper", passed from this life on February 16, 2023 in Arizona.  He was born to the parentage of Mary Louise Washington and Theodore Toliver on December 7, 1980 in El Paso, Texas. Tommy grew up with siblings Theodore Jr., Elnora Washington, Mary Washington, Cynthia Washington, Maxine Washington, William Toliver and David Brooks. He graduated with the 1999 class at Canutillo High School in El Paso.

Tommy attended West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas where he was an RA, involved in competitive speech, and earned a Communications degree. He was a beloved fixture on campus and still held so many of these friendships.  We continue to hear stories of how Tommy helped so many of his classmates find their true selves during these pivotal years at WT.

After college, Tommy moved the short distance to Amarillo where he was a Company Member with Lonestar Ballet, involved with Avenue 10, and was also a cast member of TEXAS the Musical. It was also during these years that Pepper aka Kristopher Davenport Stevens aka Monique carried dance skills to The 212 Club as well as many stages across the state of Texas and beyond in the USofA pageant system, etc.  His skills, countless hours, and dedication helped so many others achieve their dreams.

Pepper later relocated to the Dallas area where he continued his career in dance and theatre.  Over the span of his career, he was in Ragtime, Sister Act, In the Heights, The Wild Party, Time Steps, Cabaret, The Nutcracker, Welcome to Arroyo's, Memphis, and so very many more productions.

Throughout his adulthood, Tommy also worked in the food service industry - most notably, at Red Robin and Texas Spice at the Omni.  Tommy's restaurant, theatre, and dance family became his absolute family and heartbeat as time marched on.

Anyone you come across who knows Pepper describes him as a bright light. No matter what mountain he was facing in life, he would ALWAYS bring joy and contagious laughter to those around him.  It was his superpower.  Tommy is forever dancing on  the clouds.

Until we meet again....You're Ridiculous!!         And we love you, Thomas