Ethel Bernice Bouldin

Ethel Bernice Bouldin was born on August 20, 1933, in Peach Creek, Gonzales County, Texas, the youngest child of Reubin D. and Mattie Lee Harper. She passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, leadership, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Ethel attended the San Antonio Independent School District through the 8th grade and later earned her GED. Driven by her love for learning and devotion to God, she pursued higher education at Guadalupe Biblical College, earning a master's degree in Biblical Studies. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to music ministry, she was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in Christian Music from San Antonio Theological College.

In 1948, Ethel married Lemuel Willie Ruffin, and to this union four children were born: Connie Ruffin Gary, Ruby Faye Ruffin Hunt, Samuel Eugene Ruffin, and Michael Ruffin (stillborn). In 1953, she married Robert Perry Lavalais Sr., and to their union three sons were born: Robert Perry Lavalais Jr., Matthew Willburt Lavalais, and Larry Darnell Lavalais. In 1967, Ethel married Alfred Godley, no child born to this union. In 1970 Ethel married Trivial Bouldin they remained married for 23 years until he processed her in death. Ethel and Trilvia were foster parents to three Children Bridget and Michelle Dotson and Ethel Sherrie Benson however, to that union no biological child was born.

Ethel devoted nearly 50 years to serving as a choir director in the San Antonio Christian community, inspiring countless congregants and nurturing musical gifts. Ethel Began ministering as Choir Director at St. Paul Baptist Church (the Late) Sherman Bedford, Pastor. After uniting in marriage (Trilvia Boulden) She served as Director at New Greater Mathew Baptist Church, Pastor Henry Powell, and later (the late) Pastor J.J. Rector Jr. God blessed Ethel to serve as director at East End Baptist Church, the late Clayton Bouldin Pastor, Bethany First Baptist Church (the late) Dr. Ronald Benson Pastor, and New St. Mark Baptist Church Dr. E.L. Granderson Pastor, To God be all the glory Ethel had the privilege to train and direct under the late Dr. Maydell Cherry. She often reminisced of the privilege of (attending with Dr. Cherry) and directing at the National Baptist Convention. For over 40 years, she also served as coordinator and director of the Old Ship of Zion, guiding generations with her leadership, compassion, and steadfast faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband Trivial B. Bouldin; her siblings Shannon Reubin D. Harper, Ephraim Harper, and Eva Marie Harper Dotson and her children Michael Ruffin (stillborn), Samuel Eugene Ruffin, Ruby Faye Ruffin Hunt, Robert Perry Lavalais Jr. and Ethel Sherrie Benson

She is survived by and leaves to cherish her memory:

Daughter: Evangelist Connie Marie Gary

Son: Matthew Wilburt Lavalais

Son: Larry Darnell (Shirley) Lavalais

Daughter: Bridget Marie Dotson-Banks

Daughter: Michelle Dotson

Daughter-in-law: Carmella Lavalais

Daughter-in-law: Amandia Ruffin

Son-in-law: Pastor Collis B. Hunt

Sisters: Annie Williams and Georgie May

Sister-in-law: Patricia Godley

Brother-in-law: Donald (Barbara) Lavalais

Cherished Cousin: Beatrice Anderson

Caregivers: Alice & Jessica Hoover

Caregiver: Niece, Val Godley

Ethel is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a large family of nieces and nephews who adored her.

Ethel will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, passion for music ministry, and lifelong commitment to uplifting others. Her legacy continues in every life she touched and every song she lifted in praise.

She will be deeply and lovingly missed.

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