Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

“But a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all. Let her deeds publicly declare her” (Proverbs 31:30-31).

Sis. Ella Mae Bolton, daughter of the late Aurdrey Anthony and Nead Tate, was born Aug. 6, 1927, in Suny Hill. 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 A.M.E. Church at the age of 18 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 A.M.E. for many years. She served on the Stewardess Board, Women’s Mission, Laymens, Church School, community Prayer Band, and as 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 stomping-praise.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that for 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 54 golden years of marriage until his sunset on Jan. 12, 2002. To this union, eight children were born. She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: her beloved children, Gilda Marie Bolton of Oakland, Calif., Wayne Durant Bolton, Frank Bolton Jr. and Barry Warries Bolton, all of Bogalusa; two sisters, Myrtle Tate of Franklinton and Pauline Barin of New Orleans; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, near and abroad.

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 preceded in death by her parents, Aurdrey Anthony and Nead Tate; her husband, Frank Bolton Sr.; three daughters, Frankie Faye Smith, Mary Jo Scott and Ella Rose Hall and her son, Percy Keith Bolton; four brothers, James Tate, Willie Tate, Nead Tate Jr. and 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).