Jean James

JEAN JAMES

Jean Brown James, age 90, of Columbus, MS, passed away December 25, 2019, at her residence. Funeral services will be Saturday, December 28, 2019, at 11:00 AM at Fairview Baptist Church with Jeff James officiating and Rev. Sammy Crawford and Breck Ladd assisting. A family interment will immediately follow at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, December 28, 2019, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Gunter & Peel Funeral Home & Crematory College Street Location is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. James was born October 16, 1929, in Gordo, AL, to the late Eulie and Mattie Lou Brown of Columbus, MS. She was a graduate of New Hope High School of Columbus, MS, and National Commerce Business School of Memphis, TN.

Mrs. James worked for the Mississippi State Employment Services for several years. After her marriage to Hayward James, she became a fulltime homemaker and mother to her four children. Mrs. James was a long-time member of Fairview Baptist Church. She served on various committees and was a member of the Esther Sunday School class for many years. “Nanny” enjoyed cooking for her family and was known best for her homemade cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies. Her family enjoyed her “Nannyisms”, which were her nuggets of wisdom and keen sense of humor. Her love and generosity refreshed many people.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Hayward James, her brother, Randolph Brown and sisters, Catherine Ray and Faye Cox Crosby. Survivors include sons, Keith James (Judi) of Sapulpa, OK, Jeff James (Jo Ellen) of Hoover, AL, daughters, Pam Abrams (Jeff) of Columbus, MS, and Sandy Aultman (Billy) of Columbus, MS, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and sister, Jewell Woodward of Columbus, MS.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Reed and grandsons: Justin Aultman, Hunter Abrams, Brantley Abrams, Parker James, Hal Larkin, Tyler Farnham, and Jay Hollenbeck.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Abrams, Andy Boyd, Rev. Sammy Crawford, Ray Crosby, Randy Felder, Slater Murphy, Butch Reed, and members of the Esther Sunday School Class.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.