Izola P. Serf

Izola Serf was born December 31, 1950 in Bakersfield, California to Riley and Fannie Player. She departed from this life on Tuesday morning, January 12, 2021. In her earlier years, Izola attended Christ Memorial Church in Bakersfield, CA. She graduated from San Fernando High School. She also attended Lane Community College for 2 years.

Izola met her husband, Pastor Samuel Serf, in 1989 while working at Delco Remy automotive plant. They married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1996 and would have celebrated their 25 year anniversary this year. Izola was a loyal and dedicated Christian who loved to serve God with her husband doing missionary work.

Izola worked for General Motors Company for 32 years before retiring in 2007. She loved having bible study as well shopping with her family and friends. Izola was famous for her extensive elephant collection which she took pride and joy in. She also loved her family and grandchildren immensely and loved spending time with them.

Izola was preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Fannie Player; sisters, Geraldine Player-Dickinson, Clidy Player-Bryant, Hessie Player-Brown; and daughters, Detra LaShawn Bethley and RaShawn Shawntae Carter.

She leaves behind her husband, Pastor Samuel Serf; one son, Dennis Bolden, Jr.; two step-daughters, Rhoda Pimpton and Kianna Serf; two step-sons, Shawn (Erin) Serf and Samuel (Elizabeth) Serf; two sisters, Otha Player-Neal, Versie Player-Brown; two brothers, Paul Player and Riley Player, Jr.; one brother-in-law, Nathaniel Brown; grandchildren, Steven (Regeena) Bethley, Kiera Bethley, Khoury Bethley, Malyah Bolden, and Damani Bolden; 2 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. She also had 10 step-children of which she had a special relationship with Dominic and Elyanna Serf who loved taking care of their Grandma and Papa. She also leaves behind an adopted “daughter” Belinda Horton.

We were blessed to have her in our lives.

Humbly Submitted, The Family