Mary Ann James

Mary Ann Gadson James was born on November 8, 1929, in Walterboro, South Carolina to the late Stephen and Queen Esther Gadson. Mother James was the oldest of eleven children. She moved to Savannah, Georgia at an early age where she completed her education. Mary James accepted the Lord at an early age. She met and married the late Harvey Lamar James Sr., who preceded her in death. The couple had five children, four daughters and one son; Dr. Blondella James Brown, Harvey Lamar James Jr., who preceded her in death, Evonne James, Naomi James and Juliana James. Shortly after marriage, she and her husband moved to a small town in East Texas finally settling in Houston. After moving to Houston she and her husband united with the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Jonas Punch. She later joined the New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful and dutiful member for over 47 years, under the leadership of the late Rev. Wiley Dunn and remained there under the current leadership of Dr. Charles E. Turner. Mother James worked in Sunday School and where ever there was a need. She served as a Youth Choir Matron, Drill Team Matron, member of the Women’s Bible Class, Leader of Mission I Ruth Circle, Women’s Choir, Mission Chorus, and Home Department ministry. Mother James was the matriarch of her family. She was a strong, caring, quiet spirited, and generous woman who was always ready to help anyone in need. She loved Jesus, her family, church, and friends. She was a woman who witnessed and invited many souls to Christ. She always invited neighbors, relatives, and friends, to church functions. Mother James had the heart of a servant and she was always willing to serve. She was a woman who influenced the lives of many, young and old. Mother James was a woman of love and peace. She was highly respected and had an encouraging word to all who crossed her path. She enjoyed people and serving was her passion. On December 4, 2018, she quietly transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life, preceding her in death were her parents Steven and Queen Esther Gadson Singleton; three brothers Langley Gadson, Lee Richard Singleton, Rev. Robert Singleton (Shirley); three sisters Rose Marie Singleton, Eartha Bell Murchison, Rev. Theresa Spann; one brother-in-law Bishop William Todd (Thomasina); one son Harvey Lamar Jr.; one daughter-in-law Countance; one son-in-law Robert Freeman (Evonne); two grandsons Jacque Garner, and Hiji Harrison Sr. (Daphne). She leaves to cherish her precious memories four daughters, Blondella James Brown (Carl), Evonne James, Naomi James, Juliana James; one sister Thomasina Todd of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three brothers Michael Singleton (Inez) of Los Angeles, CA, Elijah Singleton (Jessie), Joe Lewis Singleton both of Savannah, GA; sister-in-law Myrtle James of Cleveland, OH; 8 grandchildren Edwin Steward, Kenya Steward, Jawara Oji Black, Kim Bienvenne, Mikkah James, Jasmine Broussard, Ashley Anders, and Justin Brown, 12 great grandchildren; 7 great, great-grandchildren. Also included are a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, and a host of special sons and daughters that she acquired over time who are not individually listed for fear of omitting some.

Mary Ann James

November 8, 1929 - December 4, 2018