She was born on January 12, 1932, the youngest of eleven children to William and Catherine Thomas- Davis.  Her parents passed away when she was very young thus, being raised and nurtured by her older brother and sister-in-law. She was educated in the local public schools. On October 3, 1949 she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mr. Bennie (Sonny Buck) James. Through this union, five loving daughters were born. She was a long time member of Elem Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Choirs and as an Usher. She also sang for many years with a local Gospel group.

She loved God. The bounds of her faith were immeasurable. She loved family. A kind, soft voiced and soft hearted soul-- to know her was to love her. She took pride in tending to her family, especially her grandchildren whom she gently caressed when wanted and lovingly disciplined when needed. She took them to church when their parents couldn't and readily shared her wisdom with them about God's Saving Grace.  She loved growing beautiful flowers outdoors and was particularly proud of earning her Dietary Certificate. Her favorite Biblical Passage : " Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye be also."

Mom/Granny leaves to cherish her memories:  Five devoted daughters, Lil James-Washington and (Wendel), Jacksonville FL, Mamie James, Cynthia James of Dorchester SC, Barbara James-Kelly and (Leroy) of Dorchester SC, Wendy James-Lee and (Timothy) Jacksonville FL; Five grandchildren, Dayne Brown, Ladesia Gregg, Ciji Brown, Chelsea Lemon and Colby Lee; A host of great grands, great great grands; nieces, nephews and two sisters-in-law;  She also leaves two surrogate grandchildren who called her momma, Teresa and Janette Gates.