Mrs. Pecola James

January 24, 1929 - August 30, 2020

was born to the late Mary McNeal and Ellison Smith on January 24, 1929 in Pamplico, South Carolina. Pecola transitioned to be with the Lord on August 30, 2020.

Pecola joined in holy matrimony to the late Edward James, Sr. on August 4, 1948. Through their union six (6) children were born: Bobby James, Sr., Edward James, Jr., Inez Kibler, Annie McCargo, Joseph James and Leverne James.

Pecola attended New Mt. Zion Christian Community Church where her former pastor was the late Annie Bell Hagler Neal. She later joined the Independent Church of God where Eva Mae Ross is pastor. Over the past few years, Pecola’s health began to fail and she was no longer able to physically attend services; however, she continued to keep her strong faith in God. Pecola possessed several passions which included gardening, sewing and a great love for soulful cooking. She was well known for her sweet potato pies and pound cakes; which were her specialties when it came to baking.

Pecola leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Inez Kibler of Tallahassee, Florida and Annie McCargo of Germantown, Maryland; four sons, Bobby James of Landover, Maryland, Edward James Jr. of Florence, South Carolina, Joseph James of Germantown, Maryland and Leverne James of Washington, D.C. One daughter in law, Debra James and two son in-laws, Elbert Kibler and Tark L. Mc Cargo. Pecola has a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; and 15 great-great grandchildren and one on the way. Two sisters, Gladys Smith of Washington, DC and Betty Smith of Jamaica, NY; two brothers, Sam Smith of Pamplico, SC and Steven Smith of Florence, SC and a host of other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by two daughter in-laws: Alice Cooper and Rosa P. James, one grandson, Elbert Kibler, Jr. and four sisters and four brothers. Pecola will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.