Carolyn S. Bolton, a long-time resident of Milwaukee, celebrated her 100th birthday with family, sorority sisters, and friends on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the Senior facility where she resides. Although the actual date of her birthday was June 16, the celebration kicked off on the 13th with a citation presented to her by State Senator Dora Drake (as well as on behalf of State Senator Mark Spreitzer and State Representative Clinton Anderson) for her contributions to the state.
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
Bolton was the first African American teacher and counselor hired by the Beloit Public School System. She later moved to Milwaukee where she taught at Milwaukee Public Schools, at Washington and John Marshall High Schools until her retirement in 1981.
A native of Chattanooga, Bolton earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in Atlanta, GA. While at Clark, she met fellow student Clarence Bolton. They married shortly after Carolyn graduated, and during their 57 years of marriage raised four children. She continued her studies, receiving a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
A bout with knee surgery in 2003 gave Carolyn the idea of starting a business. “My church quilting circle at one time had tried making note cards using fabric, but the idea didn’t really take off. I decided to resurrect the idea.” She soon became the brains behind “Cards by Carolyn,” a small business though which she makes all-occasion note cards using fabric.
Carolyn is a diamond Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., as she has been a member for more than 75 years. Through the years, Mrs. Bolton has received recognition from numerous organizations.
