Joanne Maxcine James

JOANNE’S JOURNEY JoAnne Maxcine Jones was born on April 15, 1955 to the proud parents of the late Otho O’Day Jones and Agnes Jeronia Evans. Raised in Jesterville Maryland, she was the fourth of six children which included Dean, Gregory, Jeffery, Quentin and Opal. JoAnne went on to receive her Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. Always an advocate of education, she pursued a career as an elementary school teacher and eventually became a guidance counselor. She went on to faithfully serve in the Wicomico County public school system for thirty-three (33) years. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who encountered her. Reverend JoAnne James was a lifelong member of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church where she began her ministerial life under the tutelage of the late Reverend Dr. Charles Henry Mack, until his retirement in 2001. In addition to being a member of the ministerial staff, she was a member of the Adult Sunday School Class, taught Wednesday evening Joy Explosion Bible Study, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, worked with Joy Explosion’s Outreach Ministry and St. James’ Hospital and Nursing Home Ministries. Under the tutelage of Reverend Dr. M. Luther Hill, she was ordained Deacon and an Elder in the A.M.E. Zion Philadelphia Baltimore Annual Conference. In 2005, during the Annual Conference, Bishop Warren Matthew Brown asked the question, “Who wanted to pastor?” and Reverend James raised her hand. She was given the blessings of the Annual Conference and founded and Pastored Solid Rock A.M.E. Zion Church, in Salisbury, Maryland. As a cornerstone of her family and pillar within her church community, Reverend James touched many lives. She has left a lasting impression on a host of family members, students, parents, colleagues and clergy. Reverend James is survived by: her three daughters: Christal, Natalie and Lisa; one son-in-law, Troy; seven grandchildren, DeaVaughnte, Kaleb, Calvin, Tempress, Gabrielle, Micah and Jayla and nine great grandchildren.

Joanne Maxcine James

April 15, 1955 - August 27, 2022