Verneda Martha James

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verneda Martha James was born in Cheriton, Virginia on August 25, 1932 to the late Mandora and Dottie Watson. She departed this life surrounded by her devoted family on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at her home in Chester, Pennsylvania. Verneda graduated from Northampton County High School in Machipongo, Virginia. She relocated from Virginia to Pennsylvania where she last worked privately for The Wood Family, owners of Wawa dairies and stores throughout the United States, for over twenty years. Also, she worked in the food industry at Sun Ship Building & Dry Dock Company in Chester, Pennsylvania and in the housekeeping department at George Washington Motor Lodge in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. A consummate mother and homemaker, Verneda was a first rate nurturer and an excellent cook. Her house was always open and welcoming to family and friends. Known as “Lil Sis” to close family, she was loveable and could be counted on at all times. She possessed a beautiful spirit and inviting smile. She was rare in that she chose laughter in the face of adversity. She exuded quiet but unmistakable strength, particularly as it related to her family’s wellbeing. Verneda loved to sew and was the neighborhood hair stylist as a young woman in Virginia. She had a fantastic singing voice and regaled her children and grandchildren with unique birthday songs. Her extraordinary sense of humor added richness to her already engaging personality. Verneda was united in marriage to Harry R. James, Sr. on October 1, 1958. He preceded her in death on December 10, 2006. In addition, she was preceded in death by a son Keith B. James and brothers Willie, Robert and Clinton Watson. She is survived by her children Marlene F. Watson and Brenda K. Collins, both of Chester, Pennsylvania, Harry R. James, Jr. of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania and Sherry F. Hales (Alpha) of New Castle, Delaware; grandchildren Gary D. Collins (Joanne), Lamont R. Collins, Keith B. James-Gibson, LaWanda Davis, Gregory Clements, Jr., Anique B. Clements, Tariq Vinson-James and Jayda N. James; great-grandchildren LaShaun M. Collins, Lamont R.Collins, II, Lamere Collins, Jayvon Collins, Jeanetta Collins and Gary D. Collins, Jr.; daughter-in-law Gloria Davis; sister Velma V. Rhodes (James); sisters-in-law, Elma Watson, Annie Mae Dixon, Annette Williams and Mercedes Sudler; and a host of special nephews, nieces and other relatives. Though deeply saddened by the departing of our loved one, we are ever grateful to the Almighty for gracing us with her abiding love and beauty for the time He allowed.

Verneda Martha James

August 25, 1932 - December 27, 2012