Zelma James, devoted mother, dedicated sister, caring aunt, and loyal friend, made her transition to the kingdom of heaven on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia.

Mrs. James was born in Russell County, Alabama to the late James Scott and Augusta Gary. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at St. Luke AME Church in Russell County, Alabama. She was most recently a member of the St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

She graduated from the Russell County Training School at the top of her class with a near perfect grade point average. and continued to pursue educational opportunities throughout her life earning accounting certificates and an associate degree from the University of Georgia Business School. She used her training and education in her career with the State of Georgia where she begin working as an administrator with West Central Georgia Regional Hospital. She was promoted and transferred to several agencies including the Department of Family and Children Services where she worked most recently before retiring in 2002.

Although she was an accomplished professional, the role which gave her the greatest pleasure was being a mother to her “girls”. She encouraged each of them to pursue their dreams through education. Through this encouragement, they became a successful, long-term bank officer, a trial-winning attorney and an accomplished writer/communications manager.

Mrs. James is survived by a large and loving family: two daughters, Sherri James (College Park, GA) and Janice James (Columbus, GA); a dear and devoted sister whom she raised as her daughter, Ollie Hensley (Marietta, GA) and a niece whom she loved as “grandbaby”, Jennifer Hensley; six brothers and sisters, Ozell Gary and Mattie LaGrand (Hatchechubee, AL); Tommy Gary and Homer Gary (Phenix City, AL); Gracie Brown (Toledo, OH); Ralph Gary (Stone Mountain, GA). She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and many more loving relatives and friends.

A Graveside Homegoing Service for Mrs. Zelma James will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Parkhill Cemetery, Reverend Dr. Adriane Burgess will be officiating.

Live Streaming will also be available at www.twitch.tv/wecarelivestream. (Link Below)

The Staff of Progressive Funeral Home is honored to support the family with End of Life Services.