
In Loving Memory

Ethel Mae Bolden
July 6, 1931 — June 22, 2026
In Loving Memory of Ethel Mae Bolden
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ethel Mae Bolden on June 22, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on July 6, 1931, in St. Louis, MO, Ethel lived a life steeped in faith, family, and community service. She was a beacon of love and kindness to all who were privileged to know her.
Ethel was the cherished daughter of the late Idella Harris, who instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and resilience. Her life was enriched by the love and partnership she shared with her three husbands, Issac Wren, Charles Willies, and Robert Bolden, all of whom predeceased her. Ethel's heart also bore the loss of her daughter, Patricia Ann Willies, and granddaughter, Willona Harris, who now accompany her in eternal rest.
Throughout her journey, Ethel was blessed with the companionship of her loving partner, John House Jr., and together they created a nurturing environment filled with warmth and laughter. Her legacy continues through her surviving children, Sandra L. Harris, Diana Harris-Taylor, and Charles Willies, as well as her 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, who will carry her memory forward with grace and dignity.
Ethel's professional life was as varied as it was meaningful. From her early days as a shop worker, to her role as a medical coordinator, and her devoted service as a foster care giver, she touched countless lives with her generosity and spirit. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ethel's passion for music led her to record two Gospel albums, a testament to her faith and talent.
Her devotion to her church was unwavering, as evidenced by her esteemed role as Mother of the Board at both West Angeles Church and Higher Ground Church of God in Christ. Ethel's commitment to community outreach and her strong sense of family ties defined her character and left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
Ethel's family invites all who knew her to celebrate her life at a service on August 8, 2026, where her enduring spirit and legacy will be honored. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting the charitable heart Ethel possessed throughout her life.
As we say goodbye to our beloved matriarch, we find solace in the special message from her family: "Forever in the hearts and minds of those she came into contact with." Ethel Mae Bolden will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will live on in the love she shared and the lives she touched.
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