Meetings with Remarkable People

September 18, 2023

Marion Christian Bolton was born in the late 1920s and was married to her husband Scott for sixty-six years until her death. She and Scott had fourteen children, all of whom were raised in church because Reverend Scott Bolton was a pastor, a stirring preacher and a big personality.

I first met Mrs. Bolton on a walk to the park when Ben was about four. Ben and I walked past a house where we saw a woman in a white uniform sweeping the sidewalk that led from the front door to the street. She reached the curb as we were walking by. We spoke politely, then she talked to Ben. I recall this lady virtually emanating peacefulness and calm.

Lauren was a newborn, and our house was topsy-turvy, therefore peace and calm were scarce. I told Mrs. Bolton about Ben’s new little sister and about how Lark and I were stretched to the max. She nodded in understanding. The conversation went so naturally that I finally asked Mrs. Bolton if she possibly had an opening. “Even one day every other week would help,” I said. She smiled sweetly and said, “I’ll see.”

Mrs. Boton spent many years with our family. Her calm spirit pervaded everything. I recall how humble she was and how she cared for everything with quiet love. We were fortunate to know just a few of the fourteen Bolton kids. These young adults made a difference in the community. Edward Bolton is a minister and remains our friend to this day. Alvin and David are successful businessmen and Shirley is a teacher.

The most remarkable thing about Mrs. Bolton was her spirit of peace. Even if the room was chaotic, a peacefulness filled it when she entered. She was soft-spoken, gentle and lived in the moment. She did not fret.

She retired when our kids were teenagers and we were invited to a celebration at their church, Pine Grove Baptist in Sylacauga, Alabama. We spotted Mrs. Bolton sitting in the front when we arrived at the packed church. It was evident that she was the queen. Dressed in regal red with a beautiful matching hat, we realized that our humble Mrs. Bolton was not only esteemed by many, but also a spiritual leader of that congregation. She was the power behind the pulpit and we know why. Remarkable, simply remarkable!

Inquiry: What do quiet love and peace mean to you?

Dear God,

You sent an angel who gave us a sense of peace beyond our understanding. For this, we are ever grateful.

Amen.

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