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Obituary For Zelma James
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.
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Zelma was so kind and caring. Her sister, Ollie, and I are good friends who went to high school and Mercer University together. May God grant the family peace. Cherish the memories of such a beautiful person.
To my dearest Zelma who was always a positive and loving family member to all the lives she touched. You are truly missed! Love always, Michelle Gary and Candace Sharp Westerville,OH
To my dearest Zelma who was always a positive and loving family member to all the lives she touched.You are truly missed. Love always,Michelle Gary and Candace Sharp. Westerville,OH.
I worked with Mrs. Zelma James at Muscogee DFCS - I was one of her children. We kept in contact by text messages when she would call she just wanted to checked on me and the family. She called my children her babies especially my daughter whose name was Jahia:) and her middle name begin with a Z! I begin working at DFCS in 1996 that is when meet the angel Ms. Zelma. She would always visit my church on Women's Day and she would ask what color are the ladies wearing! She loved the Lord and her "girls". Mrs. James will be missed. Hugs to the family. as Mrs. James would end our call I Love You. Jackie Murray
I will miss Zelma's smiling face on Sunday Morning (when we do get back in church). Most of all I will miss her weekly calls to the church asking how we are doing in the office. She would say "I'm not going to hold you long, but just wanted to know how you all are doing." She would always say that my sister and I was her sister. Zelma and I were "Pew Partners", second row right hand side. She sat on one end and I on the other. She will be greatly missed
Our hearts and prayers are with all family and friends. Stand on Christ.
Larry and Pamela Brown
Our deepest condolences to the James, Gary & Hensley families. Our hearts are saddened by our loss, Ms. Zelma's work here was done and we will all see each other again. My the Lord continue to strengthen and guide us in all of our endeavors. Cynthia & Peter Derrico Tyrone, Ga.
I will miss her beautiful smile and willing spirit to help others. She was truly my friend indeed who checked on me often to make sure I was okay. Your loving sister in law.
I will miss her beautiful smile and willing spirit to help others. She was truly my friend indeed who checked on me often to make sure I was okay. Your loving sister-in-law.
I will miss my Auntie's kind spirit and the love of music and piano that we shared. May the Lord provide strength and comfort to the family.
Auntie we talked often and checked in. I will miss your loving spirit and kindness. I reminisced about the days I was always excited to visit and enjoy time with family and stay at your home. You were always an inspiration, smiling, and encouraging.
Your Niece
Praying that God will give you strength and peace Love you all, Lina
I had the privilege to work with Zelma and also to fellowship with her at area churches. She was a mentor from her heart, always encouraging others. She loved others just as she did her family. She will missed. To the Entire Gary Family and the James Family we are saddened by your loss. Friends, Rev. Patricia Walton, and Sis. Ruby Lee Smith
Ms. James was such an inspiration to me and she always brought a smile to my face. My prayers and condolences to your wonderful family. I will sorely miss her and her support of her church family at TheRoad. May she rest in peace.
Zelma, you were an inspiration for me. I love you and I will miss you, your soft-spoken words.
Teresa Gary, Columbus, Ohio
I worked with Zelma for 27 years. She is my family. I will forever love and miss her. She loved the LORD and she loved her GIRLS! She has crossed over and the Angels are singing. She was and always will be my forever HEART. Hugs to the family.
I worked with Zelma at Muscogee DFCS and she was one of the most sincere, thoughtful and caring person. She was always super nice to me, always had nice things to say. I missed her from being at work and now I will miss her from life.
