Mrs. Naomi Elaina Jones Bolden was born on September 3, 1946, in Newport News, Virginia.  She was the eldest of three daughters born to the late Hester and Neriaus Jones.  She grew up in Newport News and attended Newport News and Hampton City Schools, graduating from Phenix High School in 1964.

Naomi attended Norfolk State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1968. Following her undergraduate studies, she married Timothy Bolden in December 1969.  During the early years of their marriage, she attended Old Dominion University and completed her Master of Education Degree in 1970.  She and her husband settled in Hampton, Virginia, where they raised two daughters.

Mrs. Bolden taught Business Education in the Portsmouth City School System.  She was dedicated to nurturing, guiding, and preparing high school students for future success.  She served as a sponsor for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for many years and was a lead for I.C. Norcom High School’s Standards of Learning (SOL) After-School Program.  She also served as Department Head for Business Education and was awarded Teacher of the Year at I.C. Norcom High School.  She retired in 2009 after 41 years of teaching.

Naomi was a lifelong member of St. Timothy/Greater Works Church of Christ Holiness USA (COCHUSA).  She carried her love of education into the church, helping to create the Academic Hall of Fame and coordinating an after-school tutoring program.  She was deeply involved in youth programs, organizing meetings and outings for the Sunbeams and planning Vacation Bible School programs.  She served as a deaconess and secretary of the church and was a member of Christian Women Willing Workers (C.W.W.W.) and the Women’s Auxiliary COCHUSA (W.A.C.C.).

Mrs. Bolden was known for her love of plants, meticulously maintaining her potted plants and flower beds.  She spent many hours beautifully decorating her home and cooking wonderful meals.  She was civically active in her community, notably volunteering for outreach during the 2012 Democratic presidential campaign.

Naomi indeed lived a full life, grounded in faith and devoted to family.  Her love of Christ and others was evident in the way she served, encouraged, and ministered to those around her.  A favorite scripture of hers was Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Mrs. Bolden was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Timothy Bolden, and her daughter, Katina Bolden-Pearson. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Kellé Bolden; two sisters, Yvonne Brown (John) and Linda Lewis (Antoine); sister-in law Audrey Bolden; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Cooke Brothers Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Chapel Church of Christ (Holiness) USA located on 200 Hampton Roads Avenue in Hampton on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM, officiated by Bishop Carey Brown, Sr.  Burial will take place at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA at a later date.  It is the desires of the family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.