TOLSON, MICHAEL "MIKE" (AGE 50) OF FORT WASHINGTON, MARYLAND

The complete story of a man's life cannot adequately be expressed in words, but we do want to salute and celebrate the Life of " Michael Aaron Tolson " affectionately known as Mike.  On December 2, 2017, after a long and hard fight Mike, departed this earthly life and transitioned.

Mike was born in Falls Church, Virginia on March 8, 1967 to Bernard Tolson and Mary Constance Young-Tolson. He was baptized at an early age and accepted God as his Lord and Savior.

Mike married Kimberly Gaye Matthews on February 26, 1993 in Upper Marlboro, MD, followed by a Christian ceremony at St. Mark in Oxon Hill, MD, on June 26, 1993 in front of family and friends.  From this union they had two amazing children, Bria Nicole Tolson (20) and Michael DaShawn Tolson (14). Mike and his family were members of St. Mark AME Church where he served as an usher and sang in the choir.

Mike graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, MD in 1985.  He later attended Bladensburg Barber School and received his barber's license and began his barbering career in Alexandria, VA.  He cut thousands of heads and made hundreds of friends. Mike also worked as a custodian and exterminator before retiring early due to medical reasons in 2002.

In 2002, Mike was diagnosed with heart failure. Due to the selfless act of a family who lost a family member, Mike was able to receive a life-saving heart transplant.  This allowed Mike to live a full life, including taking vacations with his family, attending events with family and friends and making life long memories with his wife and kids. The most recent event was the surprise celebration of Mike's 50 ^th birthday where he reconnected with childhood friends and enjoyed the outpour of love from all those in attendance.

Following his transplant, Mike faced with numerous medical challenges. His strong faith in God, his positive attitude, the love and support of family and friends and most of all, his determination to live helped him overcome each and every challenge.  To the amazement of medical staff and others, Mike was never moved or discouraged by any doctor's negative report or diagnosis. During his many visits to Washington Hospital Center, Mike made a lasting impression on medical staff.  Even in the hospital, he made people laugh and smile, which caused many to question why he was even there.  His positive attitude in the mist of adversity spoke volumes about who he really was.

Mike was a man who loved God, loved his wife and kids, and loved his family and friends.  He was a son, husband, father, brother, friend and confidant. Although Mike retired from working, he made sure to stay busy and active.  He jumped right into being a stay at home dad. Without complaint, he made sure to complete every task on his "honey do list". He took his kids to appointments, went to their school programs, and provided transportation to and from school when needed.  He provided love and support to every member of his family.  He made time to take his mom to lunch, his dad to breakfast and hang out with his siblings.  Mike was a true Washingtonian and loved the Redskins, Wizards and Go Go music.  He could sit and talk for hours about any and everything.  Though he is not physically here we'll still tell his jokes, talk about his Redskins, dance to Go Go music and cherish every memory.  In the profound words of Mike "We gonna do it like dat….Aight!"

Mike leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Kimberly Gaye Tolson, daughter, Bria Nicole Tolson and son, Michael DaShawn Tolson.  He also leaves his mother, Mary Constance Young Tolson, father, Bernard Leroy Tolson (Sandra Varlack Tolson). Also surviving are three brothers, William Andre Tolson (Crystal), Darius Varlack (Danielle) and Justin Varlack, three sisters, Jacqueline Yvette Jones (W. Michael), Deandra Michelle Harris (David), Candice Renee Jenifer (Michael) and sister-in-law, Tracy Matthews-Kelton, brother-in-law, Rodney Woodland, and father-in-law, Winston Milstead;  nieces and nephews, Diamond Imani Lewis, Meaghan Danielle Jones, William Andre Smith, Christian Trey Matthews, Trevon Danard Tolson, Kenyari Jaleel Harris, Jasmine Adrianna Tolson, Michael Jalen Jones, Joshua Xavier Rodgers, Ameenah Michelle Harris, Zahriah Devay Harris, David Zachary Harris, Andru Darius Varlack, Mason Varlack, Declan Varlack, Jaylen Varlack, Madison Leigh Jenifer, Adrian Michael Jenifer, Michael Jenifer, Kamryn Varlack, Devin Varlack, Dameon Varlack, Brionna Varlack and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

His viewing will be held from 9:00am until time of service 11:00am, Monday, December 11, 2017 at Calvary Gospel Church, 11150 Berry Rd, Waldorf, Maryland 20603.  Interment Heritage Memorial Cemetery, Waldorf, Maryland.