Erin Tokley, minister, mentor, and Philadelphia police officer, dies at 47

The Rev. Erin Tokley, 47, of Secane, a minister, mentor, and longtime Philadelphia police officer, died Wednesday, March 3, of COVID-19 at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.

Known as Minister Toke by those close to him, Minister Tokley always said he was a man of God first, and a police officer second. Although he was praised for his disarming charm and professionalism in his police work, Minister Tokley’s attention was focused mainly on helping others through his personal outreach.

He studied at Lancaster Bible College, preached at Calvary Baptist Church in West Philadelphia, and was involved with, among other things, the church’s choir, youth ministry, and security. He called his approach to preaching a “practical application” because he wanted listeners to fully understand the concepts and how to apply them to their everyday lives.

He laughed often, smiled constantly, and worked enthusiastically with church members, neighbors, current and former prisoners, and anyone who approached him in need of a new direction.

“He counseled and helped so many people,” said his wife, Octavia Tokley. “To say he was outgoing is an understatement.”

A doting father of three and romantic husband, Minister Tokley sent his wife two dozen roses on Valentine’s Day from his hospital room and a present on her birthday a week later.

“We were one,” she said.

Erin Lawrence Tokley was born in Philadelphia on Dec. 20, 1973, to Ikelyn and James Tokley. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and was an active member with his family at Morris Brown AME Church in North Philadelphia.

A talented singer, songwriter, and public speaker even as a youth, Minister Tokley began his lifelong connection to music and writing when he cofounded a gospel music group at 15. He was the primary writer and a lead singer for Royal Blood, which later became Family, and he went on to perform with Rowdy Black Giants, Mr. Jones, and Side By Sol.

In a tribute on Facebook, a friend posted the lyrics to Minister Tokley’s song “Where’s Our Religion?” Part of the first verse is: “Tell Me / Why must we always be ready to fuss and fight / Why can’t we ever seem to get it right / Stop / Where’s Our Religion?”

Minister Tokley joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1997 and spent most of his 24 years in the 25th District and Civil Affairs Unit. He worked his final year with the 12th District.

At his funeral, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw spoke of Minister Tokley’s calm and reassuring demeanor and said, “Officer Tokley gave his life in service to this city and to our precious communities.”

Minister Tokley married Lorraine Oakman, and they had two children, daughter Tamaira and son Xavier. They later divorced, and he met Octavia Harrold online. They married in 2013 and had daughter Amethyst.

Minister Tokley was a talented cook, and his dishes became favorites for nearly everyone who sat at his table. People raved about his barbecue and banana pudding, and 6ABC went to his home on Thanksgiving 2019 to document the spread he put on for family and friends.

He especially liked to cook with his children, and he created and named special desserts after each of them.

“Until his very last day, Toke continued to offer so much to so many,” his family wrote in a tribute. “The gifts he gave away to us all will last forever.”

In addition to his wife, children, parents, and former wife, Minister Tokley is survived by a brother, a stepsister, and other relatives.

Services were held on March 10 and 11. He was interred at Fernwood Cemetery in Lansdowne.