Obituary of Mary Glendia James

MARY GLENDIA JAMES March 5, 1939 – April 6, 2020

Mary Glendia James, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and loyal friend born March 5, 1939, a native of Raleigh NC, and longtime resident of Washington DC, peacefully passed away on Tuesday April 6, 2020 at her home. She was 81 years old.

Mary was the daughter of Dorothy Cleolivia Smith and Harry Jones Jr, both predeceased. She was born in Wake County NC, where she spent her childhood years before moving to Asbury Park, NJ in early 1960s.

Mary, affectionately known as “China doll” “Lucky” was passionate about air travel, often saying "I always wanted to be a pilot" as she enjoyed traveling and spending time at Hains Point Park in Washington DC, where she watched airplanes take off and land at Reagan National Airport. Mary loved cooking, gardening, fishing, crabbing, and yard sales, as she also enjoyed entertaining family and friends!

Mary was primarily raised by her grandmother Leora Jones (Mama). She was treated like a sister among her aunties and uncles; she was raised with them until marriage. Mary was an exceptional cook and gracious host to family gatherings as she was taught to cook at a very young age by Mama.

Mary endeavored to become a business owner and accomplished this by opening the Oasis, a tavern in Asbury Park, NJ. After years of hard work, she decided to spend more time with her family. Mary closed the tavern and relocated to Washington, DC, where she worked for Roach Laboratories, before being forced to retire, due to an injury.

Mary’s favorite hobbies and leisure activities that she enjoyed for years was sewing, knitting and crocheting blankets, hats, scarves, and sweaters, most of which she gave away to loved ones. She also enjoyed music, dancing, playing cards and board games such as bid whisk, spades, Chinese checkers and dominoes. Throughout the years, she loved caring for her pet birds (Tweedy) and dogs (Kopi), and had an incredible green thumb for plants.

More than anything, Mary enjoyed spending time with close friends and family, especially her children.

Mary was a lifelong believer of Jehovah's Witnesses teachings. She loved Jehovah God, as her faith gave her hope for a resurrection. Mary was generous to a fault, never saying no to family or friends in need. No matter who needed help, it didn’t matter who you were or if you needed a place to live, or even money. She was always a “yes”.

Mary was quite fun loving, strong-willed, independent, and kindhearted, with an extreme passion for people. No one was a stranger to Mary, her free heartedness and selflessness will be remembered by all she touched. Mary, a mother and mentor to many, was affectionately called "Ma".

Mary will be remembered for her wisdom, nurturing spirit, generosity, and compassion for others. In spite of extraordinary challenges faced by Mary, she had an irresistible, witty and oftentimes hilarious sense of humor. Her beauty was stunning, alluring, and admired, as she always demonstrated sophistication and class.

We are forever grateful for the sweet loving Angel named Mary Glendia James, and will cherish the lessons, the memories, and blessing in our hearts and minds. We love you Mother. Enjoy your flight!

Mary was also predeceased by her husband, Charles James; son, Charles L. Graham; brothers, Benjamin Jones, Wilbert E. Jones, and Tony A. Smith; sisters, Della R. Smith and Phyllis J. Smith.

Mary will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by daughters and son, Alice Houston of MD; Malethia Marconi and husband John of PA; James (Michael) Graham of DC; Rita Creel of DC; Madeline Graham of DC; grandchildren, Veda, Takeya, Ivory, Tela, Lashonda, Rekinah, Najieb, Kareemah, Hendo, Ebony, Angel, Sharita, Cypruss, Sacona, Nikeah, Dimira; host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces; siblings, Rudolph Smith Jr of NC, Bobby Smith of NJ, Laura Smith of NC, John Smith of NJ, Frankie Smith of NJ, Diane Smith of NJ, Barbara J. Lyles of NJ, Franklin D. Jones and wife Karen of NC, Harry L. Jr. Jones of NC; host of extended family, godchildren, and friends.

*Special Note: Sylvester Dolphes Jones (mole man) eldest child of Mary G. James (his where about is unknown).

The Family of Mary G. James is grateful for each and everyone’s support. Your kind generous thoughts, and offerings in honor of our beloved Mother is forever appreciated.

 

Due to Covid-19 circumstances, burial services are private. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers: The family requests that donations be made to Mary G. James and Charles L. Graham Memorial Fund.

Donations are payable to: Gallaudet University- Denison House 800 Florida Ave, NE. Washington, DC 20002

or can be made online: GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY

If mailing a donation, please reference the following in memo line: Donation in Memory of Mary G. James and Honor of Charles L. Graham.