Dolores Gardenia James

Dolores Gardenia James was born on October 16, 1942 in Newark, NJ to the late Ansley James and Beatrice Dixon. She departed this earthly life on Thursday, July 2, 2020 in the
comfort of her home. Dolores spent her early childhood years in Newark New Jersey with her grandmother Katie James and her two brothers Ansley and Curley James. During her time in Newark New Jersey Dolores was a member of the 1st chapter of the Newark Black Panther party.

Later Dolores moved to New York City where she met and married the love of her life Thomas Godbolt Sr. They had 5 beautiful children together named Malikah, Salim, Mustafa,
Johnny, and Sahod.Dolores went on to further her education attending Rutgers University, in Newark, NJ at night where she studied Health Sciences while raising her 4 young children.
She joined Blue Cross Blue Shield where she gave them 32 years of her valued contribution as a Medical Policy Specialist. This enabled her to exercise her skills and expertise that
benefited both the company and Dolores doing what she loved to do the most, helping others.After retirement Dolores relocated to Sumter, South Carolina while there, she volunteered at
Prisma Health Hospital where she fed, entertained and comforted the sick and elderly.

Dolores was also an active member of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E church when she lived in Sumter SC where she proudly took on the role as the church’s secretary and head of the garden club.
Dolores loved the A.M.E church so much that she joined the St. James A.M.E church in Hightstown, NJ when she moved from Sumter, SC to Monroe Township, New Jersey. She
enjoyed all the church activities and looked forward to the virtual church services. Dolores’ greatest accomplishment was being a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

The happiest moments of her life were when she was around family and friends. Our fondest memories of Dolores were telling funny stories to one another, laughing, dancing and
watching one of her favorite movies. Her favorite was the old black and white Westerns. She could watch them all day long.She also enjoyed painting and entering her masterpieces in contests for money. She was overjoyed when she won 3rd place for one of her paintings and a $300 prize. Her house is full of all her fine work of art. Another hobby she enjoyed was sewing and needle point. She made a point to make sure all her grandchildren had a blanket or painting to always remember her by. When she would describe her creative work or herself, she would always say how “sharp” they both were.

Left to cherish those precious memories are her children, Malikah Sharif, Salim Godbolt, Mustafa Godbolt, John Godbolt (deceased), Sahod Godbolt, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dolores is predeceased by her parents, Ansley James and Beatrice Dixon. Her two brothers Ansley and Curley James. Her son John Godbolt and her husband Thomas Godbolt Sr.

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