Steward Bessie W. Bolden

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church https://www.wardchapelame.org/donate Bessie W. Bolden was born August 10, 1926, in Monticello, Florida to the parentage of Johnnie Williams and Rosa Tillman. Bessie was united in Holy Matrimony to James Lee Bolden on March 13, 1944. To their union, four wonderful children were born. James and Bessie remained inseparable for more than seventy years until his passing in 2017. She was indeed a loving and devoted wife to her husband and an amazing mother who stood as an enduring source of love, support, Godly example, and comfort to her children. As a result of her passion to care for and nurture others, Bessie began her career in the healthcare industry. She became a Nurse’s Aide and worked tirelessly for many years caring for others. Bessie really loved the Lord. Her walk with God was evident in her everyday living, both in her household and her local church. She and her husband James, joined Ward Chapel in 1945. There, she was an active and dedicated member and served in many capacities. You could say her belief was, whatever the Lord was doing in the season, she did not want it to be done without her. That sentiment rang true as she humbly, willingly, and graciously served in the ministry as a Steward, Missionary, Choir Member, Class Leader, as well as a member of the Friendly Tens Ministry Group. Bessie was also very active in her community and discipleship was always on her heart. She always encouraged others to get to know Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour and would often be a source of encouragement or words of wisdom. In the Winter Park Community, she was known for her gentle smile and caring spirit. She spent many years working with the Ideal’s Women’s Club to better her community. On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Steward Bessie Bolden was called home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her Father, Johnnie Williams; Mother, Rosa Tillman; Husband, James Lee Bolden; Sons: Willie James Bolden, Sr. and Eddie J. Bolden; Brother, James Williams; Sisters: Annie Thompson and Mary Simmons; and Grandson, Willie James Bolden, Jr. She leaves to rejoice in her homegoing, Son, John Bolden (Blanche) of Windermere, Florida; Daughter, Betty Anderson of Maitland, Florida Daughter-in-law, Dianna Bolden of Kernersville, North Carolina; 9 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, 8 Great-Great Grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.

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Steward Bessie W. Bolden

August 10, 1926 - August 21, 2024