Alice Bolden

Alice Diane Bolden was born on April 27, 1947 at Harlem Hospital in New York, New York to Wilhelmena Alston and Jefferson Davis Alston. Alice attended high school in New York City. After graduating high school Alice went on to work at the Social Security office. She later went on to receive her Associates Degree in medical transcription from Springfield Technical Community College.

Alice married Robert Eli Bolden Sr. in New York on July 17, 1981. Shortly after, the couple moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where she had her son, Kerrin Bolden and her daughter, Khalima Alicia Bolden. During her time in Springfield, she worked at AT&T as a customer service agent, The Republican newspaper as a typist in the Classified Department, and then went on to join the United States Postal Service as a mail handler. She attended St. John’s Congregational Church and was an active member of Kim’s Danceland where both her son and daughter took classes. She actively participated in her children’s activities, shuttling them to Boy Scouts, basketball, cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, track, diving, and a number of academic activities. One thing Alice wanted was for her children to be well rounded, to see the world, as much as possible, so they would develop the love for it that she had. She also taught them to do her favorite thing: cook. It must be said, Alice could throw down in the kitchen. She made some of the best fried chicken and collard greens you’ve ever eaten and her peach cobbler was unrivaled. Mostly, and most importantly, she loved taking care of her family. Alice filled her house with love (often tough love) and a lot of laughter. She loved her  children and grandchildren and she showed this in her care and support throughout the years.

Alice is preceded in death by her husband Robert Eli Bolden Sr., her parents Jefferson and Wilhelmena Alston, and her sister Evelyn Alston (and Ferninand). She is survived by her children, Kerrin and Khalima Bolden; step-children, Robert Eli Bolden Jr. (and Bridget), Rodney Bolden, Christopher Bolden (and Linda), Mandela Brock El-Shabazz; her siblings, Jefferson Alston Jr. (Janice), Wilhelmena Alston Jr., Sylvia Torres (Mark), and Cynthia Alston; her grandchildren, Robert Eli Bolden III, Shawanda Bolden, Monique Bolden, Michelle Bolden, Christina Bolden, Rodnita Bolden Moore (and Thurman), Zakiya Al-Shabazz, Shavon Bolden, Bridget Bolden, Destiny Bolden, Jada Bolden, Delyon Wright, Stephon Bolden, Myasia Bolden, Koron Bolden, and Pharoah Al-Shabazz; 14 great grandkids; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Alice was a phenomenal woman who will be dearly missed. Her loved ones will carry that love in their hearts always.

We love you today. Tomorrow and forever.

The GoFundMe page in her memory may be found here. https://gofund.me/7072c897

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alice Bolden, please visit our floral store.