Mrs. Essie Lee bolden

Essie Lee Bolden, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, aunt and proud matriarch, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the age of 98. Born on January 5, 1927, in Aldridge, Alabama, she was the beloved daughter of Rosa Lee Owens and Tony Knight, and was lovingly raised by her stepfather, John Henry Owens. In 1943, Essie married the love of her life, David Bolden Jr., and together they built a beautiful legacy rooted in faith, family, and love. She was the proud mother of Gwendolyn Clark (William Stanley Clark), Jane Marie Bolden, Dennis Ray Bolden (Ann Carnes), David T. Bolden (Maria Rodriguez), Terry Bolden (Liz Bolden), James Bolden, Robert Lynn Bolden (Carmel Bolden) and bonus daughter Liz Moffett. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by loving in-laws, Pauline Smith (Richard Smith), Christine Bean (Jessie Bean), Beatrice Carr (Cedric Carr), Nathaniel Bolden (Onnie Bolden) and a special friend Fannie Kendrick. Essie was a woman of strength, grace, and vibrant energy. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball as a shortstop, loved dancing, and had a gift for catering and cooking. Her love for cooking came from her grandmother Carrie Taylor (Momma Taylor) whom she spent many hours with. She was also a dedicated foster parent for many years, opening her heart and home to countless children who were deeply impacted by her love and care. Essie's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active and faithful member of several churches throughout the years. She attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Carbondale, West Virginia, where she sang in the choir, then went on to serve at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Red Bank, Salem Baptist Church in Long Branch, and House of Prayer in Long Branch under the leadership of Pastor Jacob and Gloria James. In her later years, she was a devoted member of Bethel Harvest Church, under the leadership of Pastor Marion and Stephanie Dalton. Through her faith, she inspired others with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for God. Essie was truly a pillar of love, a woman whose joy came from caring for children, nurturing others, and creating a warm home where everyone felt welcome. Essie was the heart of Fifth Avenue and Gama to everyone who she came into contact with. Her love and legacy will live on in the many lives she touched Special thank you to her caretaker Juliette Akimana.

Mrs. Essie Lee bolden

January 5, 1927 - October 18, 2025

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Mrs. Essie Lee bolden

January 5, 1927 - October 18, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information