Bettie Haskins Bolden

Our beloved Mother, nana, sister, mentor, and friend. Bettie Haskins Bolden entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Mother Bettie Bolden was born on July 23, 1934, to the late Rassie and Viola Haskins in Norfolk, Virginia. She was one of 7 siblings: Jerome, Sterling, Randolph, Lee Oliver, Augustus, and Marion, all deceased. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, June 5, 1953.
At an early age, she started working at the pickle plant in Norfolk, as well as the Tomato and Banana House. She married the love of her life, Alfred P. Bolden Sr., on July 17, 1957. To this union, they had four sons, Alfred Jr. (deceased), Vincent, Niels, Leonardo, and one daughter, Dorseen.
Mother Bolden's work in the church is noteworthy. She was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost. She was also the Elect Lady of Guiding Light Apostolic Church, Portsmouth, Virginia, for many years during the pastorship of her late husband, Bishop Alfred Bolden. Whether it was a display of love, time, or financial support, she was continually busy working in the house of God. Mother Bolden's gift of giving and her extraordinary cooking, especially her homemade chopped barbeque, macaroni and cheese, and lemon pound cake, were acknowledged by all who ate her cooking.
"Miss Bettie," as she was well known throughout her community for preparing sandwiches, dinners, frozen cups, and fried sweet potato jacks as a fundraiser to benefit her church. She displayed attributes of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. Her love and support reflected her desire to please the Lord and to walk humbly before him. Her last recognizable words to her daughter were "THANK YOU JESUS, I FEEL LIKE TESTIFYING".
She leaves to cherish her memory: Her daughter, Dorseen (Douglas Sr.); three sons, Vincent (Karen), Niels Sr., and Leonardo (Veronica); ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren; one brother-in-law; Benny Bolden, three sisters-in-laws; Alice Haskins, Kim Haskins and Helen Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.
Viewing:
Friday, August 15, 2025
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
120 West Berkley Avenue
Norfolk, VA
Celebration of Life:
COME IN PERSON OR WATCH ONLINE
Saturday, August 16, 2025
11:00 AM
Metropolitan Funeral Service
120 West Berkley Avenue
Norfolk, VA
Laid to Rest:
Woodlawn Memorial Gardens
6309 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Norfolk, VA