Tommie Elizabeth McIver

Tommie Elizabeth McIver, affectionately called “Gram” or “Mom,” was born in Sanford, North Carolina on March 10, 1935; the daughter of the late Erma Brownlee. She was the loving wife of Thomas (Bubba) McIver, to whom she was married for over fifty years. Their union started with Tommie and Bubba leaving Sanford at a very early age to relocate with relatives, to find a better life in New Haven, CT, where she remained until her transition on August 27, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Tommie’s passion and divine ability for cooking and giving was always on display on Sundays, especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays, because anyone in need of a meal was always welcome to partake. This was a biblical tradition she learned from her Grandma Eliza Hooker as a child, that it was better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). She was especially known for her cakes and pies, because baking one would cause a stir through the streets, and throughout her building from those who knew how delicious they were.

She loved to attend church; she was a faithful member of Bethel Temple COGIC in New Haven, CT, under Pastor Barry Fraser, Mrs. McIver was the President of the Pastor’s Aides, Assistant Church Mother, and a member of the mother’s board.

She was known to always have on one of her color-coordinated suits, hat and matching shoes. She often would go to New York for a shopping trip to purchase two or three outfits at a time. Sometimes at church when the holy spirit moved her, she would bless the church with a favorite hymn. Another trait she inherited from her Grandma was the love she shared, providing a safe home for foster children, some of which are still presently around.

Tommie was the mother of seven deceased children, James, Debra, Sadie, Norma, Andre, Thomas, and Carol, and one deceased grandson, Daryl McIver, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Daryl (Mycka) McIver, a sister, Sandra (Howard) Dent, twenty grandchildren, Lagree (Cheryl), Rubin (Bernadette), Lakaya, Larry, Lynisha, Tonya (Brian), Tremaine (Demetra), Chris (Quanetta), Maurice, Daurice (Yonsah), Julius (Bridgett), Tyquesha (Jeffrey), Rickey (Jessica), Darrisha, Te’Ira, Jermaine, Aja, Brandon (Cheryl), Darlisha, Daryl Rious, and Maxwell, a host of great and great-great grandchildren, nieces Tonya and Zariya; foster children, Timothy, Michael, Renee, Joseph, Angie, and Monroe, a dedicated caregiver Niecey, and a host of friends and acquaintances.

Friends may visit with her family at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to her Prayer Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. To view a recording of her funeral service, please click here: Tommie McIver Funeral. Please use password 1vKkU&n@ for access.

Burial will be private. To send a condolence to her family please see: www.beecherandbennett.com.