Mittie (Wilson) Bolden

The life book of Mittie Bolden opened September 21,1935 in Glidden, Texas to the late Rufus and Jessie Wilson. Mittie was a graduate of Columbus Colored High School in Columbus, Texas. Mittie loved her hometown area of Columbus/Glidden and would frequently make visits “down home” to visit relatives and friends there. She loved to drive down with her brothers as they reminisced about their time growing up there. After completion of high school, Mittie moved to Austin, Texas.

Mittie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized upon moving to Austin. She united with Corinth Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her brother, Rev. Levester Wilson, Sr., where she served as a faithful member. Later under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Gary M. Renfro, Sister Bolden worked with the Mission II, Hospitality Committee, Seasoned Women Committee; she was a Deaconess and sang in the choir for many years.

Upon moving to Austin, Mittie was the caregiver of families before enrolling in Cosmetology School. Cosmetology is where Mittie found her true calling and profession. Mittie was able to add on two extra rooms to her home where she housed Mittie Bolden Beauty Salon. Though she was not a licensed therapist, many customers found comfort in their conversations with her while she transformed their hair. Upon arriving at the salon, one could frequently hear laughter and smell good food; one rarely left the salon without their hair fixed AND some good food from the small window that connected her kitchen to the salon. Mittie did hair until June 2019, but she could still be found giving advice and commentary about hair.

As a hairstylist, Mittie was very involved in the local, state and national organizations. She was a member of the Austin Hair Designers Guild, where she loved to share trade secrets with her fellow beauticians. She especially enjoyed mentoring young stylists as they were beginning their careers, encouraging them to stay the course. After serving as a member for many years, she later became President, a title that she took very seriously. Her dedication to the profession won her distinction by the organization and was awarded distinction for her commitment and faithfulness. The life book of Mittie Bolden closed on August 27, 2023.

Those who are awaiting her homecoming: Parents - Rufus and Jessie Wilson; her former husband - Richard Bolden; brothers - Rev. Levester Wilson, Sr., Lawrence Wilson, Jesse Wilson, and Rufus Wilson; sisters - Geneva Taylor and Martha Lewis.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Son - Garland Bolden; three brothers - James Wilson (Carolyn), John Wilson (Gerri), and Frank Wilson (Mae Lois-deceased); one granddaughter -  Crystal Bolden: her special family member - Tracey Richard; two great grandchildren - Saniya and Sierra Bolden; great-great-grandchildren - Kayden and Zha’lani; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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