DOROTHY LEE BOULDIN

Dorothy Lee Bouldin (née Rodgers) was born May 19, 1940, in La Vernia, Wilson County, Texas, to Clifton Rodgers, Sr., and Leatrice Rodgers (née Brooks). She was the fourth eldest of seven children: Clifton Rodgers, Jr., Jesse Rodgers, Earl Rodgers, Sr., Mary Smoots (née Rodgers), Lonell Rodgers, and Larry Rodgers. In the early 1940s, her family moved from La Vernia, TX to San Antonio, TX. Dorothy was baptized under the leadership of Rev. E. L. Roberts. She attended Wheatley High School, class of 1958. On May 3, 1958, she united in marriage to Clayton Bouldin, Sr., and from their union, five children were born: Clayton, Jr., Cynthia, Calvin, Sr., Carolyn, and Charan.

Her husband, Clayton Bouldin, Sr.; her parents: Clifton and Leatrice Rodgers; her four brothers: Clifton Rodgers, Jr.; Jesse Rodgers; Earl Rodgers, Sr.; Lonell Rodgers, and her son, Calvin Bouldin, Sr., preceded her in death.

In 1966, Dorothy and Clayton Sr. and her family all became members of New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Paige, where she was an active member for five years. Clayton Sr. and Dorothy moved their membership to New Greater Matthew Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. H. L. Powell in 1971. Dorothy served in their choir and on their Ministers & Deacons Wives Ministry, Women Mission Board, and assisted with various “Building Fund” fundraisers. In 1977, her husband, Rev. Clayton Bouldin, Sr., was called to serve as Pastor of Rock West Baptist Church. Dorothy supported her husband in her role as first lady and served in various capacities for the church.

She was kind, loving, compassionate, understanding, and concerned for God's people.

In 1979, her husband organized East End Missionary Baptist Church, where Dorothy joined and supported the ministry. She sang soprano in the choir and served in various areas of the ministry. Dorothy attended conventions and workshops that enriched her ability to help in the ministry. She was even actively involved in the Christian Fellowship Baptist District Association until her health began to fail her.

In March of 2022, Dorothy relocated to Houston, Texas, and lived with her daughter, Charan Allen. When she lived in Houston, she enjoyed attending Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Marcus D. Crosby. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dorothy attended service online. Her dream was for the city to reopen so that she could attend church services in person. She was able to see her dream come true!

Oh, how she loved to be in the church service! She had attended in person until her health began to fail her. While living in Houston, she enjoyed dining, visiting the nursery to purchase plants, painting, and shopping.

Dorothy previously worked at Booker T. Washington as a Cafeteria Cook. She dedicated 27 years to working in childcare at the Miller’s Child Development Center until her retirement. Dorothy had a love for children, and after spending her career working with children, she decided that she would become a foster parent. Dorothy and her husband opened their home to 8 children for over six years. In her final years, Dorothy became a novice Painter. She was commissioned by her children & grandchildren for her paintings of flowers and plants that were considered abstract & modern art. Her style was entirely her own and was admired by many.

Cooking food, sewing quilts & clothes for loved ones, and tending to her houseplants was her passion! Dorothy had a remarkable green thumb and could grow any plant she desired – even the most difficult of plants. She had a special love for her orchids and could grow them well into longevity. Dorothy also enjoyed singing God’s praises, humming her hymnals, and spending time with her family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her son, Clayton Jr. (Shirley) Bouldin (Edmondsville, WA), and her three daughters: Cynthia Mathis, Carolyn Benson (San Antonio, TX), and Charan Allen (Fresno, TX); twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Smoots (San Antonio, TX), and one brother, Larry (Jeanette) Rodgers (San Antonio, TX); two sisters-in-law: Ethel Bouldin and Eva Bouldin (San Antonio, TX), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.