Mary R. James was born June 27, 1942, to Gaither and Mary Ramseur in Salisbury, North Carolina. Most of her early education and faith life were in the China Grove, North Carolina community. She entered into eternal life on Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
Mary graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a degree in Elementary Education. It was at Winston-Salem that she met and later married Steven C. James. Mary began her career as an elementary school teacher with the Hampton City School System. She continued working in her chosen profession in the Newport News City School System where she remained until her retirement. Married for 52 years, she and Steve shared a happy and blessed life together along with their precious daughter, Shari – the expressed love of their lives. She and Steve spent many wonderful and joy-filled years traveling the world with their closest friends, Elbert and Vivian Walker, creating treasured memories.
To know Mary James was to love her and because of her unique sense of humor, vivacious, loving and caring personality, she had numerous extended family members which she chose from her concept of the word “friends.” Beginning with her acquired marriage family and her intimate family relationships with the Mann, Walker, and her St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church Community, she continued to be the greatest gift to those who knew and cherished her.
As an active member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, she was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary (3rd and 4th Degrees), a Eucharistic Minister, and a volunteer with the St. Vincent Food Pantry. She was also a Trustee of the Historic Neely School Foundation Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Birthday Girls, and Richneck Raccoons. She was a long-time, dedicated member of the Striker’s 1 Relay for Life Team of the American Cancer Society as well as an avid bowler.
She was preceded in rest by her parents, mother and fathers-in-law, Mr. Edward R. James, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Weddie Gabriel, and brother-in-law, William James. Mary leaves to mourn her passing her beloved, faithful and devoted husband, Steven; daughter, Shari C. James; sister, Ruth Williams; sister-in-law, Virginia James; brothers-in-law, Vincent and Edward James; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, surrogate/adoptive children and a multitude of friends.
A wake will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia, on Monday, June 11, 2018; a Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 12, at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 230 33rd St., Newport News, Virginia. Entombment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of condolence in the form of donations to the Historic Neely School Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 784, China Grove, NC 28023.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
