Twyla Bonita Kelley Bolling

Her Life and Legacy Twyla Bonita Kelley Bolling was born on May 5, 1957, in New Bern, North Carolina, to the loving parents of Alfrie Eugene Kelley, Sr. and Carrie Beatrice Whitfield Kelley. On August 7, 2026, Twyla peacefully entered eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and cherished memories. She lived, she loved, she served, and she left an unforgettable legacy. At an early age, Twyla accepted Christ and became a member of Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, where the late Reverend Dr. Charles H. Ewing served as pastor. After making Washington, D.C., her home, she became a member of Matthews Memorial Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. John H. Kearney, Sr. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and she remained committed to God, family, and serving others throughout her life. Twyla graduated from New Bern High School in June 1975. Following graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she lived with her maternal aunt and family. In the fall of 1975, she continued her education at the Washington School for Secretaries while working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through her studies, Twyla developed an exceptional foundation in secretarial and business administration, including stenography and shorthand, typewriting, bookkeeping and accounting, business law and correspondence, legal terminology, office management, and administration. These skills became the foundation for a distinguished professional career. A Distinguished Career Twyla began her career with the Federal Reserve Board in 1980 as a secretary. Through dedication, perseverance, intelligence, and an exceptional work ethic, she steadily advanced through numerous administrative and professional positions, including Senior Executive Secretary, Senior Secretary, HR Assistant/Technician, and Senior HR Technician. In 1994, she was appointed as an HR Assistant/Technician and was promoted to Senior HR Technician in 1998. She ultimately served as a Senior HR Assistant in the Management Division. After an outstanding 32 years of service with the Federal Reserve Board, along with five years of service with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Twyla retired on June 1, 2012. Her professional life was a testament to determination, excellence, and commitment. She took pride in her work and made meaningful contributions to the organizations and people she served. Her career legacy reflects not only professional achievements, but also the character, discipline, and perseverance that defined her. A Love Story and a Beautiful Family On May 4, 1996, Twyla was united in marriage to Eldridge Bolling, Jr. Their marriage was built upon friendship, love, laughter, family, and countless cherished memories. Although they celebrated 30 years of marriage, their story represented approximately 40 years of togetherness. Their life together was filled with special holidays, birthday celebrations, traveling, cruising, good food, laughter, and the simple moments that became treasured memories. They created a lifetime of experiences that their family will forever hold close to their hearts. Twyla loved her family deeply. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, cherished sister, faithful friend, and a source of strength and encouragement to many. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband, Eldridge Bolling, Jr.; her loving daughter, Dawnzza N. Kelley; her son, Sean C. Bolling; and her beloved granddaughter, Dhakiyah N. Kelley, of Fort Washington, Maryland. She also leaves her loving sisters, Dedra Lynn Kelley Carr of Lithonia, Georgia, and Carole Sue Kelley Downing (Simeon) of New Bern, North Carolina; her special first cousins, Rhoda Euwell and Jackie Smith of Maryland; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends. Those Who Preceded Her Twyla was preceded in death by her parents, Alfrie Eugene Kelley, Sr. and Carrie Beatrice Whitfield Kelley; her brother, Alfrie Eugene Kelley, Jr.; and members of the Bolling family, Eldridge Bolling, Sr., Delia Bolling, and Bernard Bolling. Her Memory Will Live On Twyla's earthly journey has come to an end, but the love she gave and the memories she created will live on forever. She will be lovingly remembered for her kind and loving heart, generous spirit, strong faith, determination, beautiful smile, wonderful sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to her family. Twyla found great joy in traveling and cruising with the people she loved. Her adventures included visits to the U.S. Virgin Islands, San Juan, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cancun, as well as trips to Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; and Orlando, Florida, where family trips to Disney World became treasured traditions. She loved good food, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, laughter, and creating memories with the people closest to her. She understood that some of life's greatest treasures are not found in material things, but in the moments shared with the people we love. To know Twyla was to know someone who cherished relationships and valued family. Her presence brought warmth, laughter, kindness, and love into the lives of those around her. She leaves behind not only beautiful memories, but a lasting legacy of love that will continue through the lives of everyone she touched. Though our hearts are heavy with her absence, we are grateful for the gift of her life. We celebrate the woman she was, the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the memories she leaves behind. Twyla's life was a blessing. Her memory is a treasure. Her love will remain in our hearts forever. A Final Scripture “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21 Rest peacefully, Twyla. Your work on earth is complete. Your love will never be forgotten.

Tributes

Twyla Bonita Kelley Bolling

May 5, 1957 - August 15, 2026