Ethel Mae Bolden

Evangelist Missionary Ethel Mae Bolden (Mother), a beloved matriarch and devoted servant of her community, peacefully passed away at home on June 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 6, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri, Ethel's life was a testament to faith, service, family, and community. The beloved daughter of Idella Harris, who preceded her in death. Mother Bolden was also preceded in death by her husbands, Issac Wren, Charles Willies, and Robert Bolden; her lifelong family friend, John House Jr.; her daughter, Patricia Ann Willies; her granddaughter, Ethel Mae Netta Harris (Imani); and her great-granddaughter, Wilana Denise Harris. Despite these losses, Mother Bolden’s enduring spirit continued. She is survived by her children Sandra L. Harris, Diana Harris-Taylor, and Charles Willies. Ethel was a proud grandmother to 15 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 23 great-grandchildren, and a blossoming lineage of great-great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish Mother’s memory are her beloved Higher Ground Church of God In Christ church family, her TRT teammates, and other adored family and friends. A woman of many skills and passions, she dedicated her time to the church and community. Her career in child foster care and the medical field defined her service to help others. Mother also worked in the culinary arts and cosmetology fields. As an entrepreneur in the food service business, she had a small kitchen serving Southern cuisine. While a member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of then Bishop Charles E. Blake, she served on the Mothers Board. Mother relocated from Los Angeles to Riverside; she became a member and servant of the Bright Light Church of God in Christ, now Higher Ground Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of the Late Superintendent, Pastor Dewayne Butler, and First Lady Kimberly Butler. Evangelist Missionary Ethel Bolden served faithfully as an Administrator, President of the Women’s Department, on the Mothers Board, Prayer, Bible Band Teacher, and the Evangelism Street witnessing Team. Mother was a cherished team member of the TRT Gospel Music Ministry Group assisting with their Prison Ministry at the California Institution for Women (CIW), where she was affectionately known as Mother Sweet Potato. As a TRT team member, she graced the stage with some of the legends of gospel, Bishop Rance Allen, Slim and The Supreme Angels, the Gospel Stars of Houston, Texas, and The Gospel Keynotes, to name a few. Mother’s creative spirit shone through in her music, having recorded two gospel albums that continue to uplift and inspire. One of Mother’s favorite songs, which was actually recorded on both albums of her Songs of Inspiration, was “The Storm Is Almost Gone.” It is a testament to her strength that she overcame the challenging life situations that brought her closer to God. As we celebrate Evangelist Missionary Mother Ethel Mae Bolden's life, we remember her whose faith, love, and service continue to guide and inspire us all. Evangelist Missionary Mother Ethel Mae Bolden will be forever in the hearts and minds of those she interacted with. Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity, honoring Mother Bolden's spirit of giving and community support.