Lois Ellie Bolden was born to Ross Forest Toliver and Evelyn Harlee on June 28, 1938 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her parents; bonus-father John Harlee; husband Ret. Deputy Chief Larry C. Bolden; son Eric L. Bolden; and first cousin Clifton Davis.
Lois attended Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, Louisiana and Grambling State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in three years, a fete she was most proud of. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Education Administration and Supervision from NOVA University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
After graduating from Grambling State University, Lois taught school and served the Los Angeles community as a probation officer. She later decided to move to Las Vegas to join Mrs. Barbara Kirkland’s mother Atha Toliver. The move to Las Vegas began a lifetime of memories with her first cousins Barbara and Clifton “Boo” Davis and their respective families.
Lois began her teaching career at what was Madison Elementary School, directly across from her home. She later transferred to J.E. Manch Elementary School where she would retire from in 1991 after almost 30 years of dedicated service to first graders and children with special needs.
Upon retirement, Lois continued to offer consulting services to local schools to reduce classroom size and curriculum development. She never looked back though…she and Larry enjoyed traveling and cruising to Mexico and Alaska; staying at their favorite San Francisco resort and visiting Carol “Chris” Peterson, their only daughter, outside of Washington, D.C.
Lois was never one to slow down, she enjoyed shopping. She loved Toliver/Bolden picnics in Mount Charleston and entertaining in her home. The Boldens loved to socialize – Larry on the gumbo or ribs and Lois baking her famous chess pie or strawberry cake.
You might have seen Lois attending a Charlie Wilson concert or cruising in her 1999 champagne Corvette. She loved life and lived to the beat of a song at all times. Lois dedicated her retirement years to continuing Larry’s Legacy of Giving to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and gave generously of her time to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Inter-Alumni Council, Public Broadcasting Station and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Lois’s latest and greatest love was her granddaughter Jordan L. or as she affectionally called her “Little Lois”. Lois was front and center at Jordan’s “Sweet 16” Celebration wondering if the DJ had any Charlie Wilson to play.
Lois loved her community. She lived on Madison Ave for over 50 years, a home her husband built in the 1960s. She loved the West Las Vegas Community.
Finally, Lois loved her church, a member for over 50 years at St. James. You could find her at her favorite 8:00 am service always dressed and delighting in the Lord.
Lois leaves to cherish daughter, Carol “Chris” Peterson; granddaughter, Jordan L. Christina Peterson; son-in-law, Henry Peterson, Jr.; sister, Loretta Toliver, first cousin Barbara Kirkland; and numerous family and friends.
“You cannot look back on yesterdays for it will not help tomorrow”...a thought from Lois, found in her address book.
