Bradford Eugene Bolden, Sr.

Bradford Eugene Bolden Sr. answered God’s call on Thursday, March 28, 2024. He was 70 years old. He was born November 23, 1953, in Reliance, MD to the late Alfred Batson and Shirley Bolden Brummell.  

Bradford was named and given his nick name by his Aunt Mary Batson. As a child, “Howdy Doody” was one of his favorite television shows to watch granting him the nick name “Doody” which he was fondly called.  

If you asked a hundred people who Bradford Bolden was, they would all give you a different answer. He was a son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, father-in-law, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend. He was a talented carpenter, artist, construction worker, working for Briggs Construction company in Federalsburg, Md. He was a plumber, photographer, and mechanic. He found himself helping anyone in need, always rendering his mechanical skills to his family and friends. His favorite car was a four-speed 1968 Chevelle. He was master chef on the grill, ladies’ man, and the life of every party. His last place of employment was Black and Decker in Easton MD. Doody could do just about anything and did not mind letting you know.  

Doody loved nothing more than entertaining and spending time with his family and friends. He never met a stranger. He held family close to his heart. After the passing of his mother, his aunts became like mothers to him. He looked forward to the weekly phone calls, talking for hours at a time with each of them. You could look forward to getting a phone call or text message from him to remind you about his aunt's birthdays and not to forget to reach out to them.  

Bradford was educated in the Dorchester County School system, graduating from North Dorchester High School in 1971 with honors.  

Bradford loved to listen to old school music, especially Al Green, and he loved to dance. He loved westerns and would be found watching them often. His favorite football team was the Washington Commanders formally The Washington Redskins.  

Bradford was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Alfred Batson, and Shirley (David) Brummell. His grandparents, Reva Bolden and Hayes Ricketts and Jerry and Hattie Batson. His sister that died at 8 months old, Valgentina Annette Bolden, Bonus Son, Eric Lee, grandson, Jerod Kimble Sr. Aunts: Delphine Warren, Parthenia “Sis” Lake, Doris Ann Butler, Martha President, Addie Bolden, and Pearl Lofland. Uncles: Wilbert Bolden, Carmen Bolden, Drexel Bolden, Charles Batson, Jeremiah Batson, William Batson, Donald Brummell, and Edward Batson. His mother and father-in-law: Algie and Sedonia Conaway. Brothers-in-law: Gregory Conaway, and Dietrich Gaskins. Sisters-in-law: Jacqueline Cain and Sherita Conaway and one of his best friends Gary Butler.  

Bradford leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 21 years but his companion of 32 years, Carolyn Bolden. They met in the third grade at Hurlock Elementary School. Their lives took them down separate paths until they reconnected in 1992.  

Bradford leaves four children: Pastor Urshell Chase (Bernard), Kevin Brummell (Veronica), Tormeka Foreman (James), and his namesake Bradford (B.J.) Bolden Jr. (JaNai). 

Grandchildren: Jerry Kimble, Shaniqua Collins, Tejah Stanley, Kenia Brummell, Nasir Brummell, Niya Garrett, Jameela Bivens, Jeremy Irons, Taraji Foreman, Jiovanni Billups, Jehlani Billups, Janiyla Bolden, Kendrick Wise, and TJ Truxon. 

Great-Grandchildren: JaNiylah Kimble, Destiny Johnson, Jerod Kimble Jr., Jerriah Kimble, Jeremiah Askins, Jamari Kimble, and Ry’leigh Turner. 

Stepmother, Regina Batson. Brother, Tyrone Price (Lakesha). Sisters: Brenda Parker, Andrea Allen-Streeter, Wanda Allen, and Alfreda Ross-Wilson.  

Aunts: Mary Batson, Florine Brummell, Imogene Bolden, Arlette Bolden, and Shirley Batson. Uncles: Lewis Batson and George Batson (Vanessa).  

Special cousins: Keith Batson and Serena (Ralph) Carr. 

Brothers and sisters-in-laws: Teresa Conaway (Larry), Reginald and Vernetta Conaway, Cheryl and Charles Copper and Althia Gaskins. Special Niece, Depina Hodge. Bonus Children: Archelle Stanley-Jones, Juan Lee, and Melinda Dobson.  

His Crew: Philip (Mack) Jenkins, Vincent Stanley, Carl Baltimore, James (Husk) Taylor, Valerie (Pork Chop) Adams and Charles (Lucky) Hawkins III.  

And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will forever hold Uncle Doody in their hearts.  

Respectfully,  

The Bolden Family 

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