Robert "Bobbie" Lee Wolford, of Columbus, TX transitioned from this earthly life t o be with the Lord on Thursday, the 26th of March 2020.

She was 85 years of age.

Robert Lee Wolford nicknamed "Bobbie," was born on May 31, 1934 to Robert Lee Reed and Ruby Reed and was raised in Columbus, Texas. After graduating from Riverside High School in Columbus, she moved to Houston, TX in the mid-50s where she worked at Southland Hardware and attended the original Franklin Beauty School. Upon receiving her Cosmetology license, Bobbie began her career in the beauty industry at Foley's Department Store and was the first Black female to work in their Beauty Salon during the height of desegregation in the early '60s. The lovely and stylish Bobbie Wolford retired from Foley's when the historic downtown location closed to become Macy's in 2006.

Bobbie was married to the love of her life, Earnest Wolford, on June 6, 1961. They remained together for 55 years until he preceded her in death on July 16, 2016. Nothing was more important to Bobbie than her faith, her family, and her service to others. She accepted Christ at an early age and held various leadership roles in her church, Metropolitan CME - the "MET House of Restoration" Church where she was a devout member. Bobbie remained active garnering "Perfect Sunday School Attendance" awards for several consecutive years and serving as a Stewardess among other volunteer roles.

Upon her retirement, Bobbie spent numerous hours visiting a retirement center where she would enjoy arts and crafts, group exercising, and local entertainment trips throughout the Houston area. Bobbie also enjoyed cooking and working in her garden – growing Tomatoes and taking great care of her various plants and flowers in addition to her Orange and Pecan trees.

Bobbie is survived by her nephews – John David, Campbell, Troy, Robert Charles, and Jessie, nieces – Rubeana, Brenda, Altanette, Claudette, Marilla, and Wanda Faye, as well as several godchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews that brought her joy and had a special place in her heart.

Friends and family are cordially invited to the Open Visitation from 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at Troy B. Smith - 9013 Scott Street, Houston, TX . A private Direct Burial for Bobbie Lee Wolford is scheduled for April 2, 2020 at Houston Veterans National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038 .

A Celebration of Life and Legacy for Bobbie Lee Wolford at Metropolitan CME is planned and will be announced at a later date. The family welcomes phone calls, video calls, texts, emails, and written expressions of condolences and support that will lift up family members, friends and colleagues during this time of bereavement.

"We selfishly want to hold on to our dearest Aunt. It brings great pain to let go. Living in the resurrection hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the trust of a loving God and in the promise of eternal life, we now commit her body to its place of rest. We will continue to mourn our Aunt, but her laughter will warm the kingdom of God. We will continue to love her, but God will now take care of our dearest Aunt. We will continue to carry Aunt Bobbie in our thoughts, but she will be kept safe in God's hands. Please receive her in the arms of your mercy, O God, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of all your saints. Amen."

-       Claudette "Dot" Denley