Elder Kathy Marie Bolton

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.