Obituary of Mildred Bolden

Mother Mildred Bolden was birthed into this world on March 18, 1923, to the union of Charlie and Millie Bell, in Tunica, Mississippi. While raised on a farm in Hickman, Kentucky, it was well known that “country living” was not Mother Bolden’s forte. She accepted Christ at the young age of nine. She loved to sing and play guitar with her brother David and Sister Willa. The family moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1943 and joined Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop E. Lenox. She was a praying woman, who did not waver in her belief in the power of God. She strived to always be in God’s will. Her desire was to leave a legacy of holiness and longevity to her family.

 In 1947, while attending a choir rehearsal she met her late husband Elder Joseph Bolden, Sr. After a short courtship, they married on May 24, 1948 and to this union six children were born. They loved each other and worked together running a dry cleaners and record store. Mother Bolden held various jobs throughout her life: as a prep cook at a Greek Restaurant, Mullen’s BBQ factory, a hairdresser and as a domestic worker where she was regularly referred due to her exceptional work. In later years, they joined St. Luke C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of the late Elder Luke Austin Sr. Mother Bolden formed a close relationship with Bishop James C. Austin, the current pastor of St. Luke C.O.G.I.C. 

 Due to gang pressure to enlist Mother Bolden’s three sons, the family moved to Allegan, Michigan in 1969. Again “country living” was not Mother Bolden’s forte. The family then moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan with the help of late Superintendent A.W. Williams the founding pastor of Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. where Mother Bolden and her children served tirelessly. Mother Bolden moved back to Chicago in 1979 and reunited with St. Luke C.O.G.I.C. and served an additional 25 years. While being a faithful member she served in various capacities including the outreach ministry, church transportation, the Women’s Department, and she rejoined the choir.

 In attempt to connect her special needs son, Timothy Bolden to better services, Mother Bolden moved back to Kalamazoo, Michigan. She served in many churches upon her return including Greater Joy C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Superintendent Jeffery Townsend, St. James C.O.G.I. C., under the leadership of the late Pastor Lavern Smith, Christian Life Center, under the leadership of Pastor Joel A. Brooks, and prior to her death she was a devoted member of Faith Temple Church of God, under the leadership of Bishop T.D. Locket. 

 Mother Bolden was witty, an avid reader, loved to travel (affectionately known as “Mildred GO Bolden”) and a lover of her family. She still drove and lived independently at the age of 94. Recently she experienced some health challenges that forced her to slow down, but never stopped her go-getter attitude. She faced her fear of water and went on a 5-day cruise to Mexico (Memorial Holiday 2017) in celebration of her son Anthony Bolden’s 60th birthday. 

 On the morning of August 9, 2017, Mildred Bolden went to glory to rest from her labors and receive her reward. She is preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings John Booker, Elder Edward (Eula) Booker, Mother Rosalee (Nash) Brials, Mother Willa Bell (Ceotha) Cawthon, Deacon David (Geneva and Dorothy) Bell, two daughters-in-love Gloria and Naomi Bolden. Mother Bolden was the last matriarch of the Bolden, Booker and Bell Family.

 Mother Bolden is survived by her six children, Joseph Bolden, Jr, Reginald (Julie) Bolden, Anthony (Teresa) Bolden, Evelyn (Jesse) Conley, Sandra (Michael) Larkins and Timothy Bolden. Her wonderful legacy of 19 Grandchildren and 32 Great-grandchildren, God-children, Robyn and Howard Robinson, Bro. Steve White, a host of nieces and nephews and all those she claimed were special to her that is not mentioned.