Mother Ella Lois Dewberry Bolden
His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast
been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. (Matthew 25:21)

Mother Ella Lois Dewberry Bolden was born on March 17, 1920, to Carrie "Cassy" Dewberry and Robert "Bob" Dewberry in Bainbridge, Georgia. She resided in Ft. Pierce, Florida, most of her life.

Preceding Mother Bolden in death were her husband: Willie Robert Bolden, Sr.; sons: Willie Robert Bolden, Jr. and Freddie Lee Bolden, Sr.; and daughter: Lily Ruth Bolden Bowe.

Mother Bolden grew up in Ft. Pierce, Florida, with her mother and three sisters: Lily Mae, Bobby Davis, and Beatrice "Bea". She received her early education at Means Court Elementary School. However, as soon as she was old enough, she worked at an Avenue E laundry owned by Ben Bryant.

Having accepted Jesus Christ as her Redeemer earlier in her life, Mother Bolden worshipped Him in spirit and in truth.

Mother Bolden and Willie Robert Bolden, Sr. were the God-fearing parents of ten children. She believed that her faith and its guiding principles for a successful life were Bible based combined with godly wisdom. She gained wisdom and knowledge beyond the educational system and influenced her children to do likewise. She taught the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", "Cleanliness is next to Godliness", and she did not "Spare the rod", when needed. Likewise, she gave this advice: "Birds of a feather, flock together" and "A friend to many is a friend to none." She believed in integrity and stressed the importance of people letting their words be their bond.

Mother Bolden was loving but strict, protective but also concerned. Ultimately, she was blessed that none of her children ever got into trouble with the law. She interacted in their lives by helping them with their homework, and joining them in games of Jack Stones, Pick-Up-Sticks, and Old Maid. She loved going to the movies and took the children with her.

In addition to Mother Bolden taking care of her children and maintaining her household, she also included time for herself. She loved to cook. While the children were in school, she made it a point to have their dinner, which included a homemade treat, ready for them when they returned from school.

She was an accomplished seamstress who made garments without having to purchase patterns because she created her own patterns from newspapers or paper bags. On the other hand, Mother Bolden enjoyed fishing and was known to have returned with a bountiful catch of the day from her daylong experience. She was 98 years old when she retired her fishing pole.

The Lord granted longevity to Mother Bolden. Her 103 years of life spanned the 20th and 21st Centuries which allowed her to be a walking history book. She witnessed many major events - The Great Depression, five U.S. wars, Jim Crow Era to the Civil Rights Era, Voting Rights for Blacks, men on the moon, voting for the first Black President, impeachment of the former President, and climate change. To God Be The Glory!

"God has smiled on me. He has set me free... He's been good to me." On Thursday, March 30, 2023, Mother Ella Los Dewberry Bolden answered the Master's call for departing her earthly body to enter eternal glory. She has joined the Heavenly host and is somewhere around the throne of God, praising Him all day long.

Mother Ella Lois Dewberry Bolden is gone from our sight but never from our hearts. She leaves her love, life, and legacy to her children: Harriet Jean Holmes, Shirley Ann (James) Bolden Cureton, Jo Ann Anderson, Geraldine A. (Isiah) Bolden, Gloria Jean Bolden, Linda Louise Bolden, and Gwendolyn Delois (Keith) Robinson; daughters-in-law: Emma Bolden and Daisy Bolden; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loving friends.