Ellen Virginia Bolden

Mrs. Ellen Sanders Bolden, 102 years old, was born on July 29, 1914, in Laurens County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late John Reid and Nannie Sanders Boyd and departed this life on Sunday, October 16, 2016, peacefully at her home.


At an early age, she joined the Center Rabun Baptist Church, Gray Court, South Carolina. After moving to Greenville, South Carolina during her teenage years, she attended the Long Branch Baptist church and joined in 1934. She worked and served faithfully at the church for over 65-plus years as an usher, Sunday school teacher, choir member, missionary, and youth advisor until her health began to decline. She loved her church and did whatever God told her to do in His name.


She loved to read and shared her wisdom with others. As a member of the Dori Sanders Book Club, she wrote a chapter in their published book, In the Beginning, in 1995.


She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Bolden, two sons, Joe Melvin Williams and Calvin Eugene Williams.

She is survived by one loving and devoted daughter, Roena Williams of the home, a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends. She is also survived by a dedicated caregiver, Harry Chancellor.