Anita Louise Gavin was born on December 12, 1920 to the late Emmitt and Annie Gavin.   She was the youngest of five girls, and had all of her four siblings -Theresa, Sally, Wilhelmina, and Celeste - precede her in death.  "Louise" as she was affectionately known was educated in East Saint Louis, Illinois. She attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Where she became a life-long member of Delta Sigma Theta and earned a BA degree in physical education. After college, Louise moved to DC and met the love of her life, Frank Tollbert.

Louise was employed by the Department of the Army Corp of Engineers as a Reality Specialist.  She retired after 42 years of service.

Louise  joined Florida Avenue Baptist Church in 1945 and was baptized under Reverand Robert Rollins. She loved church and participated in many ministries throughout the years including the nurses unit, ushers, Girl Scout leader and the scholarship committee.  She participated regularly in the Adult Sunday School Class and Bible study.

Anita Louise Gavin leaves to cherish her memory: her nieces and nephews Anita Hart and Cherie Bassette of Washington DC; , Gaynell Dryer Williams of St. Louis, Missouri,  Gordon C. Looney of Tuskegee, Alabama and Steven  Bassette

of Cincinnati, Ohio;; great nieces and nephews, Kelly and, Reginald Hart of Washington, DC , Adrienne Garrette of Tuskegee, Alabama, and an attentive and loving "grandson", Thomas Dryer of Atlanta, Ga.; and a host of dear friends including her  2 devoted caretakers – Ella Graves and Matovia Hodges; a loyal neighbor Marion Moore, and  her faithful church family.