Tolu Tolu, a remarkable woman of 81, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 16, 1944, in Washington, DC, Tolu was the child of Major Whittle and Essie Lee. She graduated from the esteemed DC public schools in 1961 and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Howard University.

Throughout her life, Tolu dedicated herself to a fulfilling career as a Real Estate Broker. But her true passions lay in her quick wit, fiery personality, and infectious laugh. An advocate and activist at heart, Tolu never backed down from a challenge and always stood up for what she believed was right. She often joked, “I should have been a lawyer.” At the tender age of 18, she participated in the iconic March on Washington, where she was photographed near Martin Luther King, Jr., as he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Music, cooking, and traveling were Tolu’s other great loves. She spent many years exploring the vibrant cultures of West Africa and even had the privilege of living in Europe for a year. After the publication of her book, “Why and How Women are Exploited by Men Worldwide,” Tolu dedicated herself to empowering women, sharing her knowledge and insights on relationships and self-worth.

Tolu was preceded in death by her parents, Major Whittle and Essie Lee, and her sons, George Silvers, Jr., and Denavarre Silvers. She is survived by her sister, Pearl Minor, as well as her nieces, nephews, family, and friends.