Theressa “Regina” Bolen Barnes

July 31, 1961 - March 23, 2022

Theodore R. Bolen and Lilie Mae S. Bolen welcomed the birth of identical twin daughters, Theressa Regina and Thelisa Renee, on July 31, 1961. Theressa, affectionately known as “Regina”, grew up in Apopka, Florida where she attended Apopka area primary and secondary schools, and ultimately graduated from Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, as a graduate of the class of 1979. She was a star student and active in many clubs and organizations, shining in home economics, earning statewide honors and awards for her sewing and cooking projects in 4H, FHA, and State Fair competitions. Her wonderful cooking skills stayed with her throughout her life. Her way of showing affection to family and friends, was often displayed by pouring her love into the food that she prepared for them. Regina lived in communities in Apopka, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and Savannah, Georgia. Wherever she resided, she immersed herself into the community, meeting people and making plenty of friends. She never met a stranger and had a gift of drawing people to her. She made them feel like family and ALWAYS made them feel like they were welcome! She always created a circle of friends that she would ultimately turn inter her surrogate family. Anyone that truly knew her, knew that she had a big heart. Regina also had an affinity for the elderly. She had a soft spot in her heart for them and their gentle nature. Although she never had any biological children, Regina had many “children” that she nurtured with her warm, mothering heart and loving spirit. She had many “play children” across the communities she called home. Regina’s smile and laughter could fill a room. She loved to be outside in nature, and found her greatest joy sitting outside, joking, laughing, and surrounded by her circle of friends. They can all take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, surrounded by light and is with those whom she loved and missed dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents: Theodore R. and Lilie Mae S. Bolen, her beloved maternal grandmother, Lillian Iverson, her best friend from childhood, Ronnie Marie “Poopie” Anderson, her brother, Trent Bolen, and her identical twin sister, Renee Bolen. Regina’s final time with us was spent battling illness, against which she fought a brave fight. She was fortunate to be supported by a group of loving family members and a tight knit group of friends, including: two devoted cousins: Sheila Orr and Annette O. McFadden, both of Apopka, Florida; the entire extended Orr Family of Apopka, Florida and beyond; two close and especially devoted friends: Andrea Bridges Brinson and Barbara Williams, both of Apopka, Florida; two godchildren: Mahalia A. Jackson of Lithonia (Atlanta), Georgia, and Dante Anderson of Apopka, Florida; and a host of cousins, other relatives, “play children”, classmates, and friends.