Maxie D. Bolden, Sr.

On February 23, 1935, Jefferson and Peoria Bolden became the parents of a baby boy. They named him Maxie D. He was their third child and second son. Maxie peacefully departed this life in his home on April 26, 2024 at 5:56 a.m., surrounded by his family. Maxie was born in Lee County, Arkansas where he grew up and attended public schools. Maxie’s father was a farmer and Maxie learned the skills of farming early in his life. He chopped cotton during the growing season and picked cotton during the harvest. As he grew his farming skills grew. He did tilling with the tractors and farm equipment in the spring and summer. In the fall, he drove the tractor pulling a trailer full of cotton. Ginning was done at night. He liked farming but did not see a future in it as an adult. It was then that he started thinking about relocating to another state where he could make a living. 

In 1953, Maxie met Ruth Young. They dated for two and half years and on June 19, 1955, they were united in holy matrimony at the house of Rev. S.M. Peals. Their marriage was attended by Ruth’s mother - Alberta Young, Maxie’s grandmother, Mary Thomas, his father, Jeff Bolden and his sister, Lessie B. Bolden. Maxie & Ruth agreed they wanted a better life than cotton farming could give them. So, Maxie headed north to South Bend, Indiana where his brother Alfred Bolden lived. His bride - Ruth Bolden, remained in Arkansas until Maxie saved enough money to send for her. The Indiana Toll Road was being built at the time Maxie arrived in South Bend. Maxie was hired as a flagman, directing traffic around the workers. Maxie sent for Ruth after receiving his first paycheck. 

Maxie was a hard worker and always worked to improve the living condition of his    family. Maxie achieved his career goal of becoming a Journeyman Bricklayer. Maxie sharpened his skills as a bricklayer and expanded his knowledge of construction. He eventually became a foreman on several jobs in South Bend as well in other cities in Indiana. Some of the most notable structures where Maxie was foreman were; the expansion of the Notre Dame Football Stadium, the US Post Office in South Bend, Greater St. John, the addition to St. Paul Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, and the Notre Dame Marquee on the corner of Angela and 933. 

Maxie was raised to believe in God and our Savior Jesus Christ. He confessed his acceptance of Jesus Christ to the Church at a young age and lived his confession by doing the work of the church. During the nearly 69 years of membership at St. Paul Bethel Missionary Baptist church he served as a trustee, and for 30 years he was the church treasurer. He also sang in the church choir for more than six decades. His work on the District and State level was with the Northwest Indiana District Missionary               Baptist Association (NIDMBA). He attended National Conventions that were held from coast to coast throughout the years. Dear to his heart was the DeCatur, Michigan campground owned by NIDMBA. He gave sweat equity, and money toward its upkeep. 

Maxie was a faithful member of the Masons and St. Peter’s Lodge No. 31 F & A.M. On June 15, 1982, Maxie Sr. went through the Mason’s Entered Apprentice Degree initiation ceremony. He continued his journey in the Masons to achieve Fellow Craft. Maxie Sr. achieved Master Mason September 26, 1982. He achieved Honorary Past Master, February 3, 2015. 

Maxie realized the importance of education and began to take adult education classes where he qualified for his GED. He and his wife Ruth wanted their children to be educated. So, they encouraged all five of their children to get a college education. All five children attended college. The children became a businessman, a pharmacist, an officer in the US Marines, two schoolteachers, a counselor and a school principal. Maxie was very proud of his children and Ruth is comforted knowing that they will continue his legacy. 

Those who preceded Maxie in death were his parents, Jefferson Bolden and Peoria Bolden. Four siblings - Alfred Bolden, Jeffrey Mae Bolden-Brown, Lessie B. Bolden-Kenny, and baby sister, Cora Lee Bolden. Children - Joyce Marie Bolden, and Willie James Bright. One grandson - Dr. Marques L. Bolden. One great-grandson - Maxie Bolden IV. 

He leaves to mourn his passing: His wife of nearly 69 years - Ruth Nadiene Bolden, his children - Lionel Bolden (wife, Cindy), Maxie Duane Bolden (wife, Constance), Herbert Bolden (wife, Uscilla), Sherry Bolden-Simpson (husband, Ronald), Kasi Bolden (fiancé, Bryant Milon). Thirteen grandchildren - Maxie Bolden III, Brittney Bolden, Mychal Bolden, Myles Bolden, Staci Shea (husband, Steve), Stephanie Ford (husband, Joe), Shannon Nelson (husband, Travis), Brandon Simpson, Leonard Jor-el Simpson (fianceé, Stacy Unger), Harry Simpson, Sidney Bolden, Cameron Rodgers, Hollin Hart (husband, Tony Jr). Maxie had 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild - Markayla. Maxie’s siblings - Eudora Bolden, Charlie Bolden (wife, Virginia), William Bolden (wife, Reneé), Allean Lyas (husband, Melvin) Vernell Brandon (husband, Robert), Shirley Mann (husband, Joe), Joyce Lee, Alvia Hilliard (husband, James), Lloyd Bolden, Winifred Bolden, Yvonne Bolden, Phoenix Bernard Bolden, Glenda Blake (husband, Sedrick Sr.) and a host of nieces and nephews whom he looked upon as his grandchildren. 

Maxie D. Bolden Sr. fought a good fight, and he finished his course. His legacy of a well lived life will live on through the lives of his grandchildren. Ruth is thankful to God for allowing her to have more than 69 years with her darling husband. To God be the glory!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Dr. Marques L. Bolden Memorial Scholarship. Checks or cash can be mailed to: Constance Bolden 2008 Portage Avenue, South Bend, IN 46616

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