DOVER - Deacon Joseph "Joe" Bolden, of Dover, peacefully departed this life and went home to be with The Lord on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at his home. He was 78. Deacon Bolden was a member of Bibleway Temple Church of God in Christ where he was a faithful member until his health began to fail. He served on the Deacon's Board, the Men's Choir, and often rendered soul-stirring solos. Some of his favorite hymns were: Only Believe, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, Bread of Heaven, & Have A Little Talk With Jesus. His favorite passage of scripture was Psalms 100. Deacon Bolden was born on July 14, 1933, in Federalsburg, Md., and was the son of the late Joseph and Esther Bolden. He graduated from Lockerman High School in Denton, Md. Eventually he relocated to Delaware where he attended computer school, and held various jobs which included General Foods, Green Giant, & Draper King Cole. He later married his wife of thirty five years, Vera M. Bolden. He was known as "Daddy", "Daddybol", and "Pop-Pop" - he had a great sense of humor. Deacon Bolden was preceded in death by three brothers, Lewis, Albert, and James Bolden as well as two sisters, Louise Bolden and Mary Ada Brown. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Vera Bolden, who was his very faithful caretaker and was always by his side; three daughters, Jesse Gibbs, Joetta Armstrong, and T. Andrea Martin-Summers, all of Dover; two sons, Joseph (Joey) Bolden of Dover, and Staff Sgt. John Martin (Pamela) stationed in Puerto Rico; a special son, Randy Summers of Smyrna; seven sisters-in-law, Antoinette Lee of Orlando, Fla., Margie Bolden Pemberton, N.J., Faye Street, Melissa Street, Linda, Francine, Sylvia Williams (and husband), all of Douglas, Ga.; two brothers-in-law, Lonnie Street Jr. of Douglas, Ga., and Dwayne Dunbar of Valdosta, Ga.; ten grandchildren, Lorie Henry, Brian Bryant, Joseph Gibbs, Evelyn Gibbs, Amber Martin, Ashleigh Summers, Aidanni Headley, Jasmine Martin, Tyrail Friend, and Quinton Friend; ten great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; and a special niece, Barry Jones. He was considered a son by these special mothers, Mother Warren, Mother Browne, and Juanita Green. Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. at Bibleway Temple C.O.G.I.C, 56 Kirkwood Street, Dover, viewing will be two hours prior to the service. Interment will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.