Deaconess Myrtle L James

The characteristic of a virtuous woman summarizes

the attributes and life of Mother Myrtle L. James.

The clock of life is wound but once and no one has the power to tell just when the hand will stop at late or early hour.

Mother James was born to the late Elsie Hammonds and Berthina Riley in Ocala, Florida on February 11, 1935. She graduated from Fessenden High School in 1954. She attended Mrs. Buie School of Cosmetology. Where she studied cosmetology and became a licensed Cosmetologist.

 Mother James loves the Lord with all her heart. She confessed and demonstrated her personal faith in her day-to-day life. She was always putting others first. She was a woman of wisdom and cared for her loved ones…. family, friends, her church family and loved spending time with grandchildren and great grands. She never met a stranger.

 Mother James was an active and dedicated member of Progressive Union Baptist Church. She enjoyed attending church, watching tv, going out to eat, singing and praising the Lord.

 Mother James served on the following ministries: Deaconess President, President of the Senior Choir, President of the Lily White, member of the Usher Board, Missionary Department, Red Circle, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School teacher, Pastor Aide Committee, Assistant Mother of the Church and Women Auxiliary of Second Bethlehem Baptist Association, President, Rev. Darion B. Tyler.

 On Saturday, March 29, 2025, between 6-6:30 P. M. Deaconess Myrtle James answered the Master’s call with family at her side. Throughout life’s  journey she had a special cell phone ring tone that she had to answer. “When you hear of my homegoing don’t worry about me, I’m just another solider, going home”.

 Mother James met and married Nathaniel James and their union lasted for 63 years until his death in 2017.

 She leaves behind a legacy of loving memories to her beautiful family: children: Gloria (Ronald) Bagley and Nadine (Bernard) Gant; grandchildren: Terry Smith, Jr., Jayson Smith, Erica Reese, Jerry (Shayla) Steele, Katrina (Emmanuel) Chisolm, Leonard (Lilyian) Steele, Alicia Oliver, Milton James, Ralth James, Lewanda (Anthony) Smith and  Joel Pascal;20 great grandchildren; 12 great great-grandchildren.; brother in law, Raymond (Vangela) Wheeler; sister in laws: Annie Thompson and Rebecca Webb; god children, Mary & Otis Johnson, Tammy & Callis Mitchell and Katrina Smith; special friends: Doug & Melinda Monteith; special cousin: Late Dolly Reed; her best friend, Margaret Manning and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

 “If I can help Somebody”

If I can help somebody as I pass along

If I can cheer somebody with a word or a song

If I can help somebody from doing wrong,

then my living shall not be in vain!

If I can do my duty as a Christian ought

   If I can spread love’s message that the Master taught,

then my living shall not be in vain!

Public Viewing will be on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at Summers Funeral Home, 2238 NW 10th St, Ocala, Fl 34475.

Celebration of Life Service for Deaconess Myrtle James will be on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 11:00am at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church, 8792 NW 38th Avenue Road, Ocala, Fl 34482.

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