Elizabeth James

“This is the day the Lord hast made. Let us Rejoice and be glade in it”. Psalms 118 Elizabeth Herbert James was one of four children born on April 22, 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Cora Diggs Atkins. She was a consummate mother and homemaker. Elizabeth was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends.  She was a free-spirited, God fearing woman who had a zest for life.  She loved to travel and she had the privilege of visiting Hawaii and Johannesburg, South Africa in 2008.  Her greatest love was going to church, praising the Lord and being surrounded by family. She was baptized at a young age and was a member of Greater Galilee Baptist Church in New Orleans under the leadership of Rev James Milton Branch for many years.  She later transitioned her membership to Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church, under the leadership of Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr.  After Hurricane Katrina, she joined The Potter's House Church, located in Dallas, Texas, where Bishop T.D. Jakes presides.  She married Jesse Bernard James Sr. on July 25, 1940 and was a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana until 2005.  She was affectionately known as "Sis" to family and friends and as Maw Maw to her beloved grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse B. James, Sr., her sons Keith James and Stanley James (deceased at 13 days) and her grandson, Dwayne C. James.  She is also preceded by her brothers Herbert Hicks and Henry Steele, and her sister, Mildred Atkins Gaylord.  She is survived by her children, Yolinda James Robinson, Jesse James Jr., Sherri Ann James, Darryl James, Steve James and Steven James, her beloved friends Mabel Watson and Sis. AnnaLee Joseph, and her devoted sisters-in-law, Audrey Brown, Roseanna Maurice, and Cynthia Winesberry. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.