Elder Kathy Marie Bolton

In Memorial

Kathy Marie Bolton departed this life peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Mount Carmel East Hospital surrounded by her loving mother, family and friends.

Kathy was born May 28, 1956 in Sandusky, OH. After graduation she attended Bowling Green State University where she received a degree in Criminal justice. As a student, Kathy was active in the Bowling Green State University Gospel Choir as well as the singing group Family.

Her love of music was an extension of her spirit. As a member of the Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church, she served as the Minister of Music for over 25 years. Within this capacity, her talents included teacher, director and composer. Under the umbrella of this ministry, her musical gifts cultivated the Praise and Worship Team as well a group of enthusiastic children known as The Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church Children of Praise. Her original compositions were a blessing to these various ministries as well as the Body of Christ at large. She was also an avid member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America as well as other music ministries such as Praise and Raise Production Choir in Columbus, Ohio.

In 1999, she began her pursuit of ministerial higher education. Kathy’s achievements began in January of 2001 when she received an Associate’s degree from New Life Bible College, School of the Prophets. Upon completion of this degree, she was ordained an Elder at the Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church. Her thirst for education did not end there. In May of 2011 she received duel degrees (Master’s of Divinity and Master’s in Pastoral Counseling) from Ashland Theological Seminary.

Kathy wore many hats at her local assembly. She also supported and served in leadership roles in several ministries including Discipleship Development and Integration, Bible study, and Sister-to Sister Bible Study. Her gifts were numerous and she utilized them to edify the Body of Christ.

Kathy worked for various State and Local government agencies for over 27 years until her retirement. As Kathy’s health declined, her mother came to her aid and support leaving her home in Sandusky, Ohio to become her fulltime caregiver. This act of love was patient, kind, not proud, gave honor, was not self-seeking, and unfailing.

She was preceded in death by Adlean Bolton (Matriarch) and Syvell Bolton (Patriarch), aunts, Daisy McGee, Ruth Johnson, and Addie Ruth Johnson, uncles, Frankie Knight and Andrew Jones.

She is survived by her mother Ethel Short of Sandusky, Ohio and her father George Brownlee of Anderson, South Carolina, and a host of aunts, an uncle, special cousins and friends. A special thanks to an extraordinary group of friends: China Widener, Maria Hayes, Elder Deborah Bowman and Elder Kermetta Folmar, who provided ongoing support.

Condolence Messages

  1. Kathy will be surely miss and I was honor to serve under her at Oakley as our minister of music

  2. Deacon Jesse and Elaine Swiney

    To her family and friends, Kathy will always live in our hearts. She will be missed. We are praying for your loss. Know that God cares and HE will comfort you

  3. Words cannot express our deepest sympathy! Praying for you all.

  4. Pastor Michael & Sharon Stone

    We the Power of God Ministries here in Flint Michigan, were so moved on hearing of the transition of Elder Kathy Bolton from earthly labor to her heavenly reward. We admit that we had mixed emotions. One from being very selfish, because of the many times our beloved Kathy with her best friend Elder Folmar have traveled miles to help us here in the city of Flint Michigan summer after summer win souls for Christ, and now, and now. The other emotion being one of great JOY, knowing that Heaven has received a great soul winner ready for a crown; a great armorbearer…ready for a salute from Heavens Commander; and one who will be in the cheerleaders stand (cloud of witnesses) cheering all of us on, reminding you and I that we can see her again if we stay focus on Christ Jesus! So let it be known, that we the Power of God Ministries, here in the city of Flint Michigan, salute and will always remember, the labor and love that Elder Kathy Bolton has shown to us. We have asked our God for comfort of her family and friends, and Heaven has given us assurance that "es;it will be so"es;. Elder Kathy Bolton will forever be in our hearts ! Pastor Michael & Sharon Stone and the entire Power of God Ministry Family.

  5. Joyce (Aaron) Crosby

    My dear friend Kathy we were Junior High & Senior High friends then our lives migrated away from Sandusky, Ohio you are still my sister in the Body of Christ. Sister you will be remembered for your gift of love it was always unconditional. You were a Southside girl I was a Eastend girl as we bonded building our friendship we became "es;cuzzins."es; In High school we elected you to become President of the Black Students Union. As I read your accolade of accomplishments it does not surprise me that SEED was placed into your heart at a very young age. So as you make your transition to Paridise I will keep all the LOVE you gave me close to my HEART.

  6. To Aunt Ethel & the family, I am sending my condolences to you in your time of sorrow. May God continue to comfort you and give you peace. Love you, Tracey.

  7. Pastor Rika Fanning

    It saddened my heart to hear of my friend & former co-worker's passing. I know that she is in a much better place. She passed from this world of woes into the warm & loving arms of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ! Well done good & faithful servant!!! Love, Rika

  8. I have peace you are restin in your fathers hands now.Your physical presence is missed so much, but your spirit is still with us.God bless your family and give them the peace and comfort they need at this time.

  9. I am so sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. Kathy and I worked and partnered together at Franklin County Children Services in the legal department with China Widener. Kathy was a very spirited person with a personality that was challenging and rewarding. I very much appreciated the opportunity to get to know Kathy on a deeper level and know that i was blessed by my time in friendship with her. My sympathy and blessings to her mother and family.

  10. I worked with Kathy Bolton as a court liaison with Franklin County Children Services over 15 years ago. I remember many conversations with her about working with our agency's children and families. I always respected Kathy's thoughts and opinions. My deepest sympathies to her family.

  11. Hey Girlfriend,
    I might not be there in person, but my heart and thoughts are with you and your family, and friends. I love you girlfriend, God Bless you

  12. I worked with Kathy for 4 years. I loved her spirit. She use to make me laugh. After she retired, I would often call her for advice. I am sad that she is no longer with us. But, I know that her spirit is in Heaven. My prayers go out to her family during this difficult time. I am blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing Kathy Bolton.

  13. Elder Lois Ross & Family

    To the Short/Bolton family,
    Kathy was such an extrodinory person. I met her before Oakley and her becoming an Elder but even in those years, she was always the same loving, caring and spirit filled person. She touched the lives of my grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is missed, but may the comforter that surpasses all understanding overshadow you at this time and bring you peace.

  14. I'm so sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. She was one of the first people I met as a new employee at FCCS. I learned a lot from her. May her family and friends find peace and happiness in the happy memories of their time with her.

    God Bless.

  15. Allyson (McClellan) Arrington

    I would like to express my condolences to the Bolton/Short/Knight family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  16. To Aunt Ethel, I will truely miss my dearest cousin. Thank you for sharing her with the world. Love always,

  17. Roseann Williams Kurtz

    What a great loss. I knew Kathy really well in high school and she was an amazing and beautiful person. I am truly sorry. My prayers go out to her family.

  18. Words can not express my thoughts about my cousin my friend Kathy you were one of a kind a true Angel that God allowed in so many lives here in earth Thank you for always being real and full of love compassion and a bunch of fun Good Bye for now!!

  19. Kathy was truly a shepherd for the Lord. Her witty and gentle spirit will be missed. Prayers of peace and comfort to her family in this time.

  20. Pastor Lamon Irby God's Tabernacle Cleveland,Oh

    Our heartfelt condolence to the family. I was shocked to hear of the passing of Elder Bolton, but we know God has a purpose for everything and I know He will give you the strength you need to make it through this difficult times.. Elder Bolton and I were schoolmates and I will always relish those memories ( Boo)

  21. Heaven received an angel from earth last Friday. She will be missed terribly. Love and prayers to her family and church family from her former co-worker and fellow sister in Christ.

  22. My dear friend, I can see your smile. I can feel your love. You were a blessing to me, my personal gift. It is no mystery the life and love you shared with the faithful and faithless world as you were always reaching out and up. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I remember fondly the early days; how we were gonna make a difference. Guess what, we did! We shared many laughs and good times. I can still see you sitting under that umbrella on the rocks above the beach talking about how we were so silly! My heart reaches out to your family and friends knowing we shared a jewel. Until we meet again, I love you. Da

  23. To the family of Kathy, My sincere condolences are with you, as you mourn the loss of your love one.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  24. From (Frankie), Tahlea, Ronald, Dietra,Joseph. To yhe family of Kathy, our sincere condolences are with you. Kathy played an important role in the lives of my children, she will be missed.

  25. So grateful to have been a part of Elder Bolton's life. She was such a giving and selfless woman of God. I'll see you again on that "es;Great Gettin Up Morning"es; Elder!

  26. Lisa (and family)

    I am so saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. To her mother and family I offer my sincere condolences – so very sorry for your loss. Kathy was a genuinely good and kind person and a true friend. Her Christian example of compassion and love will always be remembered. For those of us who had the privilege to hear her sing, may her music live in our hearts forever!

  27. Leila Reece Omene

    I am so hurt to just now hear of Kathy’s passing. She was the first Black person I met when I went to Bowling Green State University; and we were in the BGSU Gospel Choir together. We became best friends and we both ended up living in Toledo; and sang in group together that was directed by Teresa Hairston. We also both ended up moving to Columbus at various times and rekindled our friendship. However, we lost touch. My heart is heavy right now, but I know Kathy is in a better place with her Lord and Savior.

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