Vance Edward Bolden Sr.

Vance Edward Bolden, Sr. was born in Rhodesdale, Maryland on Thursday, December 12, 1940. He was the son of the late George and Florence Bolden. After the death of his father, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Harvey B. Evans, Sr. He departed his earthly pilgrimage on Saturday, March 19, 2016 surrounded by family. He was educated in the Dorchester County Public Schools system in Maryland, graduating from Mace’s Lane High School in Cambridge, Maryland in 1958. Vance graduated from Bowie State College in Bowie, Maryland in 1962 with a degree in Education. He continued his commitment and dedication to promoting sportsmanship and education. During his college years, Vance ran track and field and was a member of the school band. He was a founding member of the Finchville Hawks baseball team. After college, Vance returned to Dorchester County Public Schools as an educator. He used sports to inspire our youth to excel in the classroom and on the playing fields. Vance coached baseball, basketball and football. Several of his career choices included refereeing, umpiring, and selling cars. At an early age he became interested in Mortuary Science and worked for Perry Reese at Reese Funeral Home. On June 24, 1967, Vance was joined in matrimony to Doris Butler. From this union four children were born and Vance raised Doris’ daughter. He joined Mt. Hope United Methodist Church in Finchville, Maryland as a child where he participated in the Youth choir and served as a Vacation Bible School teacher and Superintendent of Sunday School. After retirement, Vance pursued his love for cars, acquiring a position at Hertrich Chevrolet Geo Dodge. He also was employed at Bennie Smith Funeral Homes where he worked faithfully. He leaves to cherish loving memories with his wife, Doris Bolden; his children, Marchelle Smith, Vanette Smith and her husband, Walter, Jr., Shervon Bolden, Vance Bolden, Jr. and Rhonda Bolden; an adopted granddaughter, Shanita Farrare; four grandchildren, A. Brendan Bishop, Briana Bolden, Alexis Bolden and Maniya Dockins; siblings Faye Stanley, Beverly Holmes (Albert, Jr.) Vincent Evans, Sr. (Sheila) Bruce Evans, Sr., Vaughn Evans, Sr. and Booker Evans(Anita); brothers-in-law, Larry Sharpe (Rose), James Butler, Ferman Butler, Sr., sisters-in-law, Deborah Jones, Harriet Jones, Jonie Dixon, Sadie Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Harvey Evans, Jr., Harvey L. Evans, Sharon Evans, and Brenda Evans. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vance Edward Bolden Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Vance Edward Bolden Sr.

December 12, 1940 - March 19, 2016