Naomi Wise Bolton

Naomi Wise Bolton — known variously as Naomi, Rusty, Pot, Coochie, Coo, Aunt Coo, and eventually the title she wore best, Granny — danced her way into Heaven on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the remarkable age of 97. She left this world just as she lived in it: peacefully, on her own terms, and with Jesus waiting for her.

Born November 20, 1928, in Biloxi, Mississippi, Naomi was the proud daughter of Anthony Lamey and Mary Aileen Krohn of North Biloxi. She spent her life proving what many already knew: there is nothing quite as strong, determined, or unforgettable as a Biloxi Girl.

Naomi met the love of her life, Donald Bolton, a World War II veteran stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, in 1950. They married, hit the road, and built a family across the map. Their adventure began with the birth of their first son Earl Bolton in Tripoli, Libya, in 1953 — because why not start with Africa? Daughter Barbara Wisnewski arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1957, followed by daughter Mary Lizana back home in Biloxi in 1958. The family rounded out when their youngest son, John Bolton, was born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1962. If nothing else, Naomi proved she could raise children in any climate, culture, or continent.

In 1968, the Boltons finally returned to Naomi’s beloved Biloxi, settling in the St. Martin community, where “Granny” became the heart, anchor, and — let’s be honest — the patriarch of the entire clan.

She earned her famous nickname “Coochie” thanks to her dancing skills — folks said she could “coochie across the floor” better than anybody. She had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a sense of humor that stuck with her right up to the end. A fiercely independent woman, Naomi lived in her own home until she passed, proving that determination truly runs in the Bolton - line.

She was a born-again Christian, confident in her salvation, and is now celebrating with her Savior and the loved ones who went before her — most notably her devoted husband Donald and her eldest son Earl.

Granny leaves behind a sprawling, loving family: six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will tell you she was one of a kind. She was loved deeply, and she will be missed just as deeply.

She also leaves behind a permanent empty table at Hartz Chicken Buffet in Ocean Springs, where she enjoyed many meals, likely judged the rolls, and made at least one new friend each visit.

Naomi was a go-getter, a fighter, a storyteller, a dancer, and a woman who could light up a room simply by walking into it. She lived fully, laughed often, and took her final rest exactly as she wished — quietly and peacefully in her sleep.

In true Naomi fashion — simple, strong-willed, and without fuss — there will be no visitation or burial service, as per her request.

Those who loved her can honor her by laughing often, holding family close, dancing when the music plays, and remembering that 97 years on this earth is a blessing worth celebrating.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Naomi Wise Bolton.