Obituary

Ella Mae Bolton 

August 6, 1927 - March 15, 2022

“But a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.  Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her." Proverbs 31:30-31 NLT

Sis. Ella Mae Bolton, daughter of the late Aurdrey Anthony and Nead Tate, was born August 6, 1927, in Sunny Hill, Louisiana. At a young age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Hayes Creek Church now Greater Hayes Creek Church.  She joined St. Paul AME Church at the age of eighteen with her husband and remained a member until her heavenly departure

Sis. Ella Mae Bolton loved her church family as the beloved Mother of St. Paul AME for many years.  She served on the Stewardess Board, Women’s Mission, Laymens, Church School, community Prayer Band, and the Anointed Word Ministries.   She labored as a faithful Christian and truly loved the Lord. Echoes of her worship and praises can be heard as she would shout “Sho Nuff!”, acknowledging the word of God in spirit and truth.  She eagerly sought an understanding of the scriptures in Sunday school and Bible Study.  She enjoyed good handclapping singing and foot stumping-praise.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward, you are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

Sis. Ella Mae Bolton was a woman of grace and servitude; she was a woman with a good heart full of compassion for people.  She presented with elegance captivating those around her with her beauty, but it was her warmth and humility that caused many to adore her.  She poured love in her cooking and baking for her husband, children and friends.  She welcomed many in her home with laughter and joy. She was selfless, often feeding and delivering hot meals to many throughout the years in the community without expecting anything in return.  She visited the sick and made her way to the Nursing home to spend time with family and friends.

In the latter days when she could no longer drive to church, she still found her way riding with others and requiring her children to take her on Sunday mornings.  Although her feeble body continued to weaken, she continued to find strength in the word and her fervent prayers. Her determination and tenacity continued to burn from within. She loved her children and grandchildren; often talking to them for hours on the phone, sharing her joys of the day, listening and encouraging them but always finding a moment to remind them about the Lord’s mercy and goodness.

Sis. Ella Mae Bolton was indeed a rare pearl; she confidently touched the hearts of many who encountered her sweet spirit. She inspired and encouraged her children and many others with her words of wisdom. She was stern, but loving to her children. Her faithful spirit will forever live in her family and community’s heart. Her life speaks for itself and her legacy will live on as the generations reflect upon her memories, prayers, words of wisdom, and the scripture she so loved.

On March 21, 1947, on her husband’s birthday, she united in holy matrimony to Bro. Frank Bolton, Sr. her friend and confidant.  They celebrated fifty four golden years of marriage until his sunset on January 12, 2002.   To this union, eight children were born.  

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, her beloved children: Gilda Marie Bolton of Oakland, California); Wayne Durant Bolton, Frank Jr. Bolton and Barry Warries Bolton; all of Bogalusa, Louisiana; two sisters: Myrtle Tate of Franklinton, Louisiana  and Pauline Barin of New Orleans, Louisiana and  a host of  grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends near and aboard.

On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, an angel of the Lord silently whispered her name and spoke “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11: 28.  He quietly closed her eyes and touched the heart of a virtuous woman, a wife of noble character; a mother of honor and a good and faithful servant.   All her earthly ailments, griefs and pain were taken away.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; Aurdrey Anthony and Nead Tate; her husband, Frank Bolton, Sr..; three  daughters:  Frankie Faye Smith, Mary Jo Scott, Ella Rose Hall and her son, Percy Keith Bolton; four Brothers:  James Tate, Willie Tate, Nead Tate, Jr., Causey Tate, and two sisters: Freddie Mae Harvey and Gloria Dean McNeil .

And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on March 20, 2022 at Cook-Richmond Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The Funeral will be at 12:00 PM on March 21, 2022 at St. Paul A.M.E. Church.