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2026 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 92
BY REPRESENTATIVE CHASSION
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Leotha "Leo"
Bolden.
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness and profound regret that the House of
Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana has learned of the passing, on March 25,
2026, of Leotha "Leo" Bolden; and
WHEREAS, Leotha Bolden was born on August 11, 1950, in Indianola, Mississippi,
to Gerdie White and Thomas Jefferson Bolden; he was the twin of his brother, Leon, and the
ninth of twelve children; and
WHEREAS, Leo accepted Christ at an early age at Big Morning Star Church, and
his faith was a foundational aspect of his life; he was a devoted and faithful member of
Progressive Baptist Church, where he served with humility, dedication, and love for forty-
five years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bolden was ordained a deacon under the leadership of Pastor Lloyd
Joiner, Jr., and faithfully carried out this calling for more than thirty years; in January 2026,
Pastor Chad E. Nora honored him with the distinguished title of deacon emeritus; he served
as chairman of the church's deacon board and extended his service to the trustee board,
Brotherhood Ministry, Sunday school, L.I.N.K.I.E.S. Ministry, counting team, and Prison
Ministry; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bolden graduated from Gentry High School and earned a bachelor
of science degree in political science from Mississippi Valley State University; he began his
professional career at Modern Tool and Die in Indianola and later worked for a finance
company; after moving to Lafayette, Louisiana, he worked for the Ford Motor Credit
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Company; he then dedicated more than twenty years of service to Allstate Insurance
Company, where he thrived as a top-selling agent, received multiple awards, and earned
numerous trips in recognition of his remarkable success and commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS, Leo married Azell Wells, whom he met while at Mississippi Valley
State, on February 22, 1975; they shared a union rooted in deep love, enduring commitment,
and abundant blessings and were blessed with three children: Tonya Lee, Tiffany Nicole,
and Sedera Joy; and
WHEREAS, Leo treasured his family above all, and in his later years, his most
precious moments were those spent in the company of his children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchild; he extended his love beyond his immediately family and was known as
everyone's favorite uncle, a "bonus" dad, and grandfather to many; and
WHEREAS, Leo was passionate about music and was a proud member of the
Mississippi Valley State Choir, which gave him a scholarship; he was a member of KJCB
Gospel Harmonizers, PBC Laymen Choir, PBC Sanctuary Choir, and PBC Men of Purpose;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bolden was deeply devoted to his community; he was a
philanthropist, faithful supporter of Northside High School Athletics, and board member of
the Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., of Lafayette; he also served as a mentor who
generously poured wisdom, encouragement, and compassion into the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Leo leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted wife of fifty-one
years, Azell Bolden; daughters, Tonya Bolden-Ball (Kirk) and Sedera Joubert (Travis);
grandchildren, Trevor, Kennedi, Sunni Joy, and Maya; great-grandchild, Taelyn; siblings,
Vashti, Ella Ruth, Howard, Larry, and Joyce; brothers-in-law, Lionel Edlam (Fatiha) and
Wilbert Edlam; sister-in-law, Lesia Edlam; goddaughter, Chloe Williams (Kievan); and a
host of nieces, nephews, church family, extended relatives, and dear friends; and
WHEREAS, Leotha "Leo" Bolden was admired and cherished for his gentle spirit,
warm heart, and steadfast character; while he will be deeply missed, the legacy of his loving
and welcoming spirit shall live on in the hearts and minds of those who were privileged to
have known and loved him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death of Leotha
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"Leo" Bolden and does hereby extend sincere wishes that his family, friends, and loved ones
find comfort in their shared memories of his beautiful life.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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