Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Gore Springs Baptist Church for Mrs. Bobbie Jean Hayward James, 88, of Gore Springs, who died on Sunday, March 24, at her residence. Burial followed in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The Rev. Eric Sherwood officiated.
Mrs. James was born on July 23, 1935, in Greenwood, the daughter of the late Albert Martin and the late Jenny Eugenia Pyron Hayward. She had a long and fulfilling life during which she was a devoted homemaker and an exemplary public servant. She worked with the United States Postal Service in several locations, ultimately retiring as the postmaster at the Gore Springs Post Office.
Mrs. James was also an active member of Gore Springs Baptist Church where she served as church treasurer and Sunday school teacher. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her church community were inspirational to many. Mrs. James was known for her culinary skills and was an excellent cook. She loved preparing delicious meals for her family and was famous for her divine homemade candies. Her family and friends will always cherish the memories of her sumptuous meals and sweet treats. Mrs. James was a kind, loving and generous soul, who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her passing is a great loss to her family, friends and community.
In addition to her parents, her husband, John Mack James, preceded Mrs. James in death.
Survivors include, three daughters, Jonie Blakely (Larry) of Gore Springs, Vickie Robinson (Earl) of Duck Hill and Cheryl Keen (Lewis) of Gore Springs; sister, Jo Ann Peterson of Longmont, Colo.; 11 grandchildren, Leah Clark (Lee), Jonathan Blakely, Jenny Lynn Hill (Richie), Corey Blakely (Ashley), Nicholas Robinson (Katie), Victor Robinson (Lyndsey), Brice Robinson (Nikki), Breeann Welch (Chase), Brittany Dudley (Chase), Wesley Keen and Austin Keen; 22 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Grandsons Corey Blakely, Jonathan Blakely, Austin Keen, Wesley Keen, Brice Robinson, Nic Robinson and Victor Robinson honored Mrs. James by serving as pallbearers and carried her to rest in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
