Ms. Betty J. James

Ms. Betty J. James was born May 24, 1945 in Lowndes County, Georgia.
She was educated in the Valdosta City School system, graduating from Pinevale High School in 1964. Immediately after graduation, Betty attended and later received a certificate from Pinevale School of Cosmetology.

In 1966, Betty moved to Sacramento, California where she married Mr. Horace Stokes. This union was blessed with two children.

On December 31, 1977 Betty accepted Christ as her Savior and became an active member of Original Glorious Church of God in Christ in Newark, New Jersey. Realizing the importance of membership in a local church body, during her sojourns in Arizona, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Valdosta, Betty held memberships in Narrow Way Church of God in Christ, New Life Ministries, and Victory Temple. She spent her later years at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida. Not bound by denomination, she worshipped at various churches wherever she lived. Betty was a true worshiper.

While living in Arizona, Betty studied for and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Later she moved to New Jersey and began employment with General Motors Corporation, retiring after thirty-three years. In November 1979, Betty was joined in holy matrimony to Mr. Jessie James. To this union, one child was born.

Betty was committed to God and her family. Although Betty was strong and fiercely independent, she took every opportunity to minister to and encourage others with the Word of God. She took immense pride in her family and was a great source of love, encouragement, and understanding to all who knew her. Betty was a loving mother, doting grandmother, and devoted friend who gave tirelessly and loved unconditionally.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ceola Williams, Artis Roberts and Gwendolyn Roberts; grandparents, Hamp and Mozella Roberts and Chester and Lawson Ceasar,and one brother, Theron Williams.

With blessed assurance of her final destination, on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, Betty transitioned from time into eternity.
Betty leaves to cherish fond memories of her and to mourn her passing, one son: Mr. Malcolm Dwight Stokes of Valdosta, Georgia; two daughters: Ms. Lashonda Stokes of Queens, New York and Mrs. Sharonda Hill (Jearold) of Spring Hill, Florida; six grandsons: Nicholas Ballard, Jessie Ballard, Jeffery Chapman, Jordon Stokes and Jearold Hill; one granddaughter: JaVonna Hill; five great-grandchildren; four sisters: Brenda Willis (Robert) and Cynthia Castleberry of Valdosta, Georgia; Patricia Williams, and Charlecia Williams; five brothers: Willie Williams, Cedric Roberts (Linda), Michael Roberts (Bessie), Donald Williams, and Napoleon Williams; several nieces and nephews; four sisters-in-law: Cheryl Berry, Christine Hill, Brenda Smith, and Mazell James; her special friends: Deloris Bivins, Millie Davis, and Mary Poole and other lamenting relatives and friends.

The celebration of life for the late Ms. Betty J. James will be held Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 2:00PM from the sanctuary of Mt. Vienna AME Church.

Interment will follow in the Mt. Vienna Church Cemetery.

Rev. Renee Gee-Theophille is the pastor.

Pastor Freddie Hinson, Jr. will officiate.