Tinna "Tinnie" Queen Boldon Grafton's Obituary
In His infinite wisdom and gentle grace, Almighty God reached down from Heaven and whispered ever so quietly to one of His children these words: “Come with me my daughter, for it’s time to go home” and so it was that Friday, September 12th, 2025 God closed the eyes of our beloved Tinna. He saw that she was tired, so He honored her with eternal rest.
Tinna Queen Boldon Grafton, whom we lovingly called “Tinnie” was born June 20th, 1970 in Hughes, Arkansas to the late Queen Esther and Sammuel William Boldon. She moved to Waterloo, Iowa with her family when she was still a young child, and it was then that she received Jesus Christ and was baptized. Later in life she became a devoted member of Crystal Cathedral of Faith Church, where she loved to shout loudly and praise God unashamedly.
Tinnie was the youngest of 11 children, and she was raised by her older siblings from the age of eight years old, after the passing of her parents. As she grew older, she held various jobs throughout her lifetime and some included: McDonald’s, Omega Cabinets, and Crystal Distribution Service “Crystal Ice”. Tinnie had an abundance of love for all children, but she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren the most! They were her everything! She met the late Jeffrey Grafton, and they were married in 2013 until his unexpected passing on August 13th, 2021. Tinnie never remarried!
Tinnie will be remembered for her love for fashion, her stylish clothes, her bright eyeshadow, and her love for others! She had many godchildren and she opened her doors to them and many others. Tinnie loved helping people, and she would even give a stranger the shirt off of her back, if they needed it. She loved to laugh, cook, and dance to one of her favorite songs, “It’s time for the percolator” but most of all, she loved to spend time with her family. Tinnie was truly the life of every party, and she knew how to bring joy and laughter into every room!
She is survived by one son, Shawn Peterson of Iowa; two daughters, Suzanne Peterson of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Jazmin Boldon of Waterloo, Iowa. Six grandchildren, Scarlett, Darneill, and Sophia of Iowa; Saige of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Queen and Kendall, both of Waterloo, Iowa. Three brothers, James Boldon of Forrest City, Arkansas; Johnny Boldon of Chicago, Illinois; and John Boldon of Waterloo, Iowa. Three sisters, Essie (Roosevelt) Shavers and Clifford Boldon, both of Waterloo, Iowa and Flora Campbell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Her best friend and roll dawg, Donna “Trisha” Spates, who remained loyal until the end!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Queen Esther and Sammuel William Boldon; her husband, Jeffrey Grafton; two brothers, Floyd and Charles Boldon; two sisters, Dortha Mae Boldon and Hattie Pearl Matlock; one great-nephew, DeTarius Matlock; one great-niece, Ty’tiarria Boldon; and many other loved ones.
The family will receive family and friends at 120 Quincy Street, Waterloo, Iowa.
The Sanders Service
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