[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BOLTON FUNERAL HOME

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
landmark establishment within the Bolton community, the Bolton Funeral 
Home.
  The Bolton Funeral Home came into existence with a vision and 
endearing motivation to provide burial services for African Americans 
living within rural areas of Hinds County, Mississippi. On August 15, 
1946, Mr. Walter Robinson, Sr. and Mr. Wren Walton purchased a parcel 
of land within the city limits of Bolton, Mississippi from Jennie 
Klingman. The purchasing price was $450.00, which was paid in cash. The 
funeral home was constructed and opened for business in November 1946. 
During that time, the average cost for burial services through the 
Bolton funeral home was approximately $300.00.
  During the time of legalized segregation, the Bolton Funeral Home 
became an essential business for many in the African American community 
seeking to bury their loved ones. At the time, the nearest African 
American owned funeral homes were located in Jackson, Mississippi. With 
the establishment of the Bolton Funeral Home, those living within the 
rural communities surrounding the town of Bolton were granted closer 
access to a very important and much needed service.
  Upon the passing of the Mr. Wren Walton and Mr. Walter Robinson, Sr., 
the Bolton Funeral Home was inherited by Mr. Lewis Kinney (nephew of 
Mr. Wren Walton) and Mrs. Ruth J. Robinson (wife of Mr. Walter 
Robinson, Sr.). Today, the business is operated by Mr. Willie Earl 
Robinson, Walter L. Robinson, Jr., Yvonne Robinson, and Minnie P. 
Robinson.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Bolton 
Funeral Home for providing burial services for African Americans during 
a period of legal segregation and, often times, isolation from such 
services.

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