Reverend Judith Boli

Reverend Judith Davis Boli — A Life of Courage, Service, and Unwavering Faith

Reverend Judith Davis Boli, born April 5, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, was the beloved daughter of Elma Diana Davis and Calvin Davis. A lifelong learner and educator, she graduated from Wayne State University with a teaching degree and began her career in the Detroit Public School System. Her life changed profoundly when she met her future husband, Reverend William “Bill” Boli, while registering voters in Selma, Alabama. Together, they committed themselves to the work of civil rights, participating in numerous marches—including several in Selma and the historic March on Washington—standing boldly for justice, dignity, and equality.

After marrying, Rev. Judy and Rev. Bill made their home in Saginaw, Michigan, where he was called to serve as rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Rev. Judy worked side by side with her husband, championing the unheard and advocating tirelessly for racial justice. She brought her teaching gifts into the church community, leading Sunday school, founding a youth choir, leading bible study, and helping establish feeding and bag‑lunch programs for neighbors in need.

Rev. Judy continued her passion for education within the Saginaw Public School System, teaching at Heavenrich and Longstreet schools. She earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Michigan State University, deepening her expertise in learning disabilities and expanding her ability to reach students with compassion and skill. After many years of service, she retired from public education to pursue her lifelong calling to the priesthood.

In June 1976, Rev. Judy was ordained a deacon by Bishop H. Coleman Meghee. She went on to earn her Master of Divinity and, in June 1978, was ordained a priest by Bishop H. Irving Mayson, becoming one of the first women priests in the Episcopal Church. She served faithfully at St. Paul’s and, after Rev. Bill’s passing, carried forward their shared mission of racial harmony, inclusivity, and courageous outreach. Rev. Judy served as Dean of the convocation for many years, spoke at numerous diocesan conventions, and remained a steadfast advocate for justice. Her work was recognized with numerous honors and awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from LGBT and Ally Pride, The Swords into Ploughshares Award and the William “Bill” Gordon Service Award.

Rev. Judy leaves to cherish her memory her children Phyllis Boli (Milwaukee, WI) and Mark Boli (Saginaw, MI); her stepson Robert McPherson Boli Collins (Sarah Collins) (Camden, NY); her grandchildren Laura (James) Moore, Lisa (Ruan) DeGrier, Jonathon (Billie) Collins, Janese, Cameron, Adrianna, Michael, and Desiree Boli, Marcus Boli Jones, and Cheriee Jenkins; and her great‑grandchildren Brandon and Gabriel Moore, Kaitlyn (Tony) Kosal, Jordan Bowman, Nana, DeArika, Michael Jr., Marquell, and LaMaria Jones, Mario Vie, Cordell Haywood, MyAngel Ferguson, and Liberty Bevins. She also leaves behind many beloved relatives and friends, including special friends Mrs. Ellen Williams and Dr. Caroline Scott, and her cherished cat, MyAngel.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Reverend William Boli, her parents‑in‑law Jane and Robert Boli, her parents Elma Diana and Calvin Davis, her stepson William Wilkins Boli Jr., and her granddaughter Mariah Boli.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Corso Hospice Care and Dr. Caroline Scott for their compassionate support, which allowed Rev. Judy’s transition to be peaceful and pain‑free.

Rev. Judy lived with courage, conviction, and a fierce love for her community. She challenged barriers, confronted injustice, and inspired others to do the same. With that same courage, she died in peace, surrounded by family and friends—leaving behind a legacy of faith, advocacy, and boundless compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s feeding program

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 720 Tuscola St., Saginaw, MI 48607-1583