Lillie Mae James

Lillie Mae James was born on Thursday, January 6, 1916 to Pattie and LeRoy Edwards in Monticello, Jefferson County, Florida and lived there for the early[lg1] part of her life. She came to Clearwater in 1935 where she married and had her two daughters, Ruthie and Laverne. Ruthie Mae Walker passed away December 24, 2001, leaving her children, Cynthia Koonce (Collier), Shawn Morris, and LaTasha Gilbert (Elijah). Laverne Young resides in Hartford, Connecticut with her children, Fredericka Ware (Thomas), LaDwina Young (deceased), Antoinette Young, Tracy Worrell (Frederick). Lillie had an older brother, Leroy Edwards II (deceased), and two Sisters Ruthie (deceased), and Lanie Bell (deceased). She was employed for many years as a housekeeper for Courtney Campbell. She retired immediately following the death of Mrs. Courtney Campbell. After two marriages, she eventually married the love of life Obadiah Albert James and was married to him for many years up until his passing on July 16, 2012. She was a faithful servant and member of Bethlehem Seventh Day Adventist Church in Clearwater, Florida for approximately eighty years. She served in many capacities, as well as Sabbath School Superintendent for many years. Lillie loved her church family and she loved to attend each week until her health began to fail. Lillie enjoyed cooking, sewing, baking and playing board games. She was a fierce competitor, and played countless hours of Monopoly and Sorry with her siblings and friends on Saturday nights after sunset. She looked forward to her nightly game of dominoes with her husband, Obadiah after dinner. She was a fabulous cook, and her home was open to family and friends every Saturday to feast on her delicious meals. Early Friday morning, June 17, 2015 Lillie peacefully passed away from this life and now sleeps in peace. She took the hand of Jesus and went to rest in God’s bosom until resurrection morning. She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and the members of Bethlehem SDA Church. Visitation will be Thursday July 23 from 5-8 p.m. in Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home. Pastor C. Anslem Paul will officiate services at 11 a.m. Friday July 24th in Bethlehem Seventh Day Adventist Church 1015 N. Missouri Ave Clearwater, FL. Burial will follow in Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park.