James H. Brewster Sr.

James was the sixth child of seven born on Tuesday, November 09, 1948, in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Minnie and Jesse Brewster, Sr. He was educated in the Meridian Public School System, attending Wechsler Elementary, Magnolia Junior High and Harris Senior High School.

In 1967, James was drafted into the United States Army. His decorations, awards, medals and citations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Bars, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and Expert Badge (Rifle). He retired after 21 years of service. He later became a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service until he retired in 2005. Retirement allowed him to enjoy his favorite hobbies. James could be found playing dominoes, on a fishing bank, or on the local golf course.

In 1991, he joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee, a member of the Homeless Ministry, Iron Sharpens Iron and the Usher Ministry until his illness would no longer allow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie and Jesse Brewster, Sr.; 2 brothers, Jesse Brewster, Jr. and David Brewster, sister, Callie Cole and grandson, Curtis L. Sherrod III.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mae Brewster; 2 sons, Derrick Smith, Sr. and James Harol Brewster, Jr.; 3 daughters, Angela Dupree, Akisha Brewster Sherrod and Maretta Brewster; 7 grandchildren, Derrick Smith, Jr., Deja’ Smith, Leah Waters, Neil Dupree, Anisah Sherrod, Jahzara Sherrod, and Phillip Scott, Jr.; 2 great-grandchildren Melanie Foster and Marlie Tolls; 2 sisters, Mary (William Sr.) Perry and Emma (Robert Sr.) Barfield; 2 brothers-in-law, Willie/John (Elizabeth) Marion and Charles (Jeraldine) Henderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.