Sybil Foy James

Sybil Foy James passed peacefully from this life at age 91 on May 19, 2024 at her home. Sybil was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi on January 26, 1933. When she was young, her parents moved to Rankin County where they bought a country store with living quarters in the back which became Foy’s Grocery. At a young age Sybil contracted polio; her mother’s strategy for physical therapy was to place her in ballet classes for the next 13 years. This was apparently an excellent decision because she grew up helping her parents in the store and climbing trees and was quick to tell you she could beat up any of the boys.

Sybil attended Central High School then went on to Millsaps College where she graduated with a business degree. She grew out of her tomboy years there, being chosen “Miss Posture” in her sorority and a beauty for the college. A young William James had had his eye on her through their youth years together at Grace Methodist Church in Jackson but when he came back home from his stint in the Navy, her mother made it clear that no one was going to marry her daughter without a college degree. This inspired him to complete his business degree at Millsaps in three years and they were married the following year.

Sybil’s greatest loves were her husband and family. Until she and William had children of their own, they “borrowed” her niece and nephew for visits and even took them on family vacations. When their own son Malcolm was born, they decided parenting was a breeze so went for son number two. Son number two, Eric, convinced them it wasn’t such a breeze. No one knows if he is the reason there was no number three (but he did redeem himself in later years.)

Sybil worked in several jobs through the years, retiring as a bookkeeper and medical office manager. One of the doctors told her family that she was the one person in the office that he knew he could trust completely.

Sybil had a beautiful voice and she and William sang in the choirs at Grace Methodist Church and Epworth Methodist Church in Jackson for over 50 years. Many friends and family fondly remember her solos or duets with William at their weddings and church services through the years.

Sybil was not only physically beautiful but she was positive, kind and encouraging with her family and everyone around her. In her declining years she had wonderful sitters who loved her dearly. She repeatedly told them how beautiful they were and some even declined to care for anyone other than her.

Sybil was preceded in death by her father Malcolm Foy, mother Ida Mae Foy, husband William James and sister Clara Derrington (Wayne). She is survived by sons Malcolm James, Eric James (Tree), niece Dixie Myrick (Mike), nephew Dan Derrington (Rita), several great nieces and nephews plus countless extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to your favorite church, charity or St. Jude Children’s Hospital (Sybil had a heart for any and all children.)