Virginia Mae James

VIRGINIA MAE JAMES, beloved daughter of the late Mary Catherine Johnson and John Malcolm Vaughan, was born September 28, 1940, in Dunnsville, VA. She received her crown and wings and entered peacefully as she slept into her heavenly home December 31, 2022. Virginia spent most of her childhood in her state name’s sake Virginia and later relocated to Baltimore, Maryland to start another chapter in her life. She was affectionately known as “Ginny” to those who grew up with her and close friends loved her witty charm. Virginia and Anthony James were united in Holy Matrimony and from this union, her only daughter, Deena was born. Later in life, Virginia and Walter E. Demory (who preceded her in death) gave birth to her only son, Mario who preceded her in death on July 15, 2022. While employed at Acme Pad Corporation as a sewing operator, Virginia completed her nursing program and became a private duty Nursing Assistant. She was a faithful caregiver and assured all the residents were treated with compassion and respect. Virginia retired from Acme Pad after 30 plus years of service. After retirement, Virginia joined The Workers United Retiree Association, an organization which served other retirees as needed. Virginia joined Star of Bethlehem Chapter #20 Order of the Eastern Star of Adopted Right in 1984. She progressed from Queen of the South to Georgia P. Lomax Court #2. She was very active in her courts and served as matron in Star of Bethlehem and Georgia P. Lomax Court #2. Virginia loved to cook especially fried chicken, potato salad and collard greens with a side of either rice pudding, lemon, coconut, or pineapple upside down cake. She was affectionately known as the “Neighborhood Mom” who fed and nurtured the Boarman Avenue crew. You could always find her in her favorite spot, the front porch where she could tell you who’s who, who belonged to whom, what kind of cars are going up and down the street, and the latest news on the street for Boarman, Grantley and Towanda Avenues along with her other porch partners in crime, Beverly and Ms. Clark. Family gatherings were a joyous time for Virginia especially teaching her granddaughter, Ebonne’ the secrets in the kitchen. She enjoyed casinos, conversations, watching her grand and great grand-children play, road trips and dining out especially those weekend IHOP trips with Sis, her sidekick cousin. Her smile was inviting and her sense of humor was quick and witty but if you crossed her that would change up quick especially while playing cards. Virginia and the card crew would play all night into the next morning and back again. Double deck pinnacle and spades were her favorites, but she could play them all. Virginia had three favorite TV programs, the news, daytime soap operas, and the game show network, especially Jeopardy and Family Feud with Steve Harvey. She had all of the family watching the game show network when she made her visits and we still watch some of those shows today. In Virginia’s latter years she became a member of New Hope World Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Antonio D. Cotto. She truly enjoyed the friendships and the fellowships. During her earlier church years, she participated in ushering and missionary work. She often shared pointers on ushering with her granddaughter and others who wanted to learn. Virginia’s faith was strong despite health challenges, she never waivered in her belief of our Lord and Savior. Virginia leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Deena Hammond (Ty); two grandchildren, Ebonné Ponzo and Jeremiah Hammond; two great-grandchildren, Josiah Villatoro and Tobias Coleman; ex-husband, Anthony James; nephew, Clarence Tunstall Jr. (Erica); niece, Valerie Peace; devoted cousin; Elona Logan; lifelong sisters, Rosa Coleman and LuCinda Freeman; a host of loving cousins, extended family and friends.

Tributes

Virginia Mae James

September 28, 1940 - December 31, 2022