Mamie Joyce James

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Steven Ellis James; daughter, Melinda Sue James; father, Clayton Carlton Castleberry; mother, Maggie Bell Castleberry; sisters, Ruth Naomi Castleberry-Young, and Masel Irene Castleberry-Davis; brothers, Chester Leo Castleberry, and Roy Carlton Castleberry.

She was survived by; daughter, Joanie LaNelle LaRue and son-in-law, John LaRue; son, Steven Lee James and daughter-in-law, Katherine Kay James; daughter, Elaine Marie James-Comets and son-in-law, Jean-Marc Comets; son, Richard Clayton James and daughter-in-law, Kelli Jan James; grandchildren, Jennifer McBroom, Jared LaRue, Jonathan LaRue, Jordan LaRue, Brett Harwell, Chris James, Jessica Armstrong, Jean-Marie Comets, Isabelle Maria James, Robert Caauwe, Alexander James, and Samantha James; great-grandchildren, Scott McBroom, Ashlee McBroom, Jaxson LaRue, Jullian LaRue, Emme Armstrong, Kaylee Jo Armstrong, and Parker Russel Armstrong; sisters-in-law, Carol West, Bonnie Bachelder, and Sharon Chapman.

The youngest of five children, Mamie attended Reagan High School in Houston. She began her career in retail at Weingarten’s in the deli department where she met her future Husband Steve James. Married in Houston Texas 1953, they enjoyed over sixty years of marriage together, raising five children of superior intelligence. (They aren’t bad looking either.)

Mamie loved mountain views and the fall season in Colorado with all the color changes of the trees. One of her absolute joys was bank fishing for rainbow trout and catfish. Eating catfish and hushpuppies was her second favorite activity. She enjoyed watching football; especially if chicken wings were served and loved the Houston Texans. Mamie was an exceptional baker and perfected zucchini bread, banana nut bread, and pecan pies.

Her grand and great grandchildren were her life. She delighted in the time spent with them, and consistently spoke of their hobbies and achievements to anyone who would listen. She left a legacy of twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A faithful woman of God, Mamie attended Faith Tabernacle UPC under the leadership of Forrest H. Ford, at Calvary Tabernacle UPC under the leadership of Pastors Jimmy Shoemake and Jerry Ward, and finally, under the leadership of Bishop Franklin G. Jones, and Pastors Brett Jones and Scott Jones at Grace Church of Humble.

The Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, March 26th, from 6 to 9 pm at Brookside Funeral Home located at 13747 Eastex Freeway at Lauder Road in Houston, (281) 449-6511.

Her Home-going will be on Wednesday, March 27th, 10:00 am at Grace Church of Humble, 7224 North Sam Houston Pkwy East in Humble, (281) 441-1111.

Interment will be at Saint’s Rest Cemetery in Nacogdoches at 3:00 pm.