Betty Jean Bolton, 66: became a go-to-person for taxes, other help

Betty Jean Bolton was known to many as the “tax lady of College Park” but to her family and friends she was “B.J.”

A Georgia native and oldest girl of nine children, Bolton was born in Sharpsburg, and she attended South Fulton High School. She was a basketball star in her younger years, and her portrait still hangs in the hall of Brady Gym in College Park.

“She was sweet, loving, kind and mild-mannered,” said sister Denise Bolton.

She made sure the family got together for the Fourth of July and College Park Day, when it was always her job to bring the potato salad. “She took care of all of us,” said Bolton of her sister.

She looked out for the underdog and “always believed in giving someone a chance,” said Bolton’s daughter and pastor Venus Ponder.

Betty Jean Bolton died Sept. 9 at her home from natural causes. She was 66. A funeral was held Sept. 13 at 1st Mallalieu United Methodist Church, 2651 Church St., East Point. Gus Thornhill Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

She was a single mother, raising her four children on her own.

She worked the night shift at Owens Illinois for several years while obtaining her degree in accounting.

“She taught us to stand on our own and be responsible, respectful and to strive to do our best,” said daughter Varolyn Miller.

She then began her career at the Internal Revenue Service, and when she retired she worked for the Medical Assistance division of the state’s Department of Community Health.

Her financial background made her the go-to person for many to file taxes with, and she helped students file for financial aid.

Her daughter Sequoya Bolton, who said her mother was “bold and courageous,” also remembered her as the person many people could — and would — go to. She said she had a voice like Loretta Devine and could give you bad news and make it not sound bad at all. “Mom had a way with people.”