Jeanna Ann James

Jeanna Ann “Jean” James was born on July 3, 1947, to Leroy and Savelia Thomas James. She was the first child born to this union. True to the meaning of her name—a gift from God, a divine blessing—Jean was indeed a gift to all who knew and loved her.

Jean grew up in the Pleasantville community, where she developed a lifelong love of learning. A brilliant and dedicated student, she excelled academically, particularly in mathematics, and had a deep passion for reading and knowledge. She graduated with honors from Pleasantville Elementary, E. O. Smith Middle School, and Wheatley High School. She continued her education at Texas Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education in 1972 and a Master’s degree in Business Education in 1976, graduating with top honors.

Raised in a close-knit and loving family, Jean’s life was deeply rooted in faith and family traditions. She developed a love for all genres of music, inspired by her father, who often played the piano and accordion while Jean and her sister sat by his side. Family gatherings were filled with joy—whether it was Sunday evenings spent singing together, or cherished weekends at her grandparents’ home, where cousins gathered, stories were shared, and simple pleasures like teacakes, coffee, jacks, and paper dolls created lasting memories.

Jean was a lifelong member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Reverend Crawford W. Kimble. She faithfully served in many capacities, including Sunday School, Mission Girls, the Young People’s Usher Board, the Young People’s Choir, and the Celestial Choir.

After completing her education, Jean built a distinguished career, working at Shell Credit Union, First National Bank, and Texas Southern University’s Department of Institutional Advancement and Development, where she dedicated over 30 years of service before retiring.

Though she may have seemed quiet to some, those who truly knew Jean experienced her sharp wit, thoughtful insight, and warm sense of humor. She possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, especially in her love for God, the Bible, Black History, and politics. Jean was a quiet thinker whose words carried weight and meaning. As one loved one reflected, “Listening to Jean reminds me of the phrase, ‘When Muhammad speaks, you listen,’ because when Jean spoke, there was truth and substance behind her words.”

Above all, Jean loved her family deeply. She found joy in supporting her loved ones—whether attending her goddaughter’s performances at the Ensemble Theatre or simply being present for her sister Joyce, her cousins, and her nephews. She shared an especially close and cherished bond with her younger brother, whom she lovingly cared for and helped raise as her own. Their relationship was one of deep love and devotion, marked by a unique and unbreakable connection.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." ~ Psalm 73:26

Jean leaves to cherish her memories her brother Terry James; nephews Sedrick Sweet, Thomas Sweet and bonus nephew Trevion Trahan; a host of very special cousins (especially Katie and Doris) and dear friends; the loving Good Hope family, and devoted neighbors of the Pleasantville community.

“We have happy memories of the godly.” – Proverbs 1-:17