Sabrina Ann (Tolliver) Kiser

Sabrina Ann Tolliver Kiser was born to two hard working parents, Ellis Tolliver and Callie Bentley Tolliver, on February 27, 1940. Growing up in a family of thirteen on a self-sufficient family farm, she came to appreciate the feel of fresh earth under her feet, the mist across the mountains, and the sweet smile of a child. In one of her novels she wrote, “Pap called it food for the soul: looking over God’s creation, smelling the fresh air, and enjoying the sun and wind in our faces.”

 Sabrina was firm in her belief that a teacher lives on and on through their students, rippling change through this world. Ever the advocate for the struggling student, she touched the lives of so many; teaching lessons on Frost, Shakespeare, and what it takes to live a good life. 

After retiring from Northridge High School, she could be seen on the back of a horse, with her bare feet in a creek, or rocking her beloved babies. Sabrina appreciated her every breath, determined to truly live. 

She left a legacy for her loved ones in her two novels. In her book, Dove’s Trail, she wrote, “Life is an uphill climb and your job is to help as many people as you can on your way up.” She lived it. Sabrina had a hot meal, warm smile, and sage advice  waiting for anyone who darkened her door. Never meeting a stranger, God’s light shined ever so brightly through her life. Though she crossed Heaven’s gate on March 5, 2025, this light continues to shine on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and countless friends and loved ones.

Survivors include her children, Pamela Jones of Union, Ohio; Rachel Starnes of Wilmington, Ohio; Lee (Cara) Kiser of Columbus, Indiana, and Misti (Brandon) Cook of Council, Idaho; a brother, Donald Tolliver; a sister, June Iery; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Services celebrating her life and legacy will take place 1:00 PM, Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Tuesday.  Interment will be in Springfield Friends Cemetery.

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