Doris Mae James Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Doris Mae James

Doris Mae James, 91, formerly of Richmond, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born, August 24, 1929 in Greenville, North Carolina to Reverend Jefferson and Gussie Louise Butler James.

Doris was a graduate of Hampton Institute and New York University. She taught Health and Physical Education and Driver’s Education for Richmond Public Schools at Armstrong High School. She retired as a Guidance Director at George Wythe High School. Church was a central focus for her life and service. She was a dedicated member of the historical Ebenezer Baptist Church in Richmond, serving on many ministries and committees: notably the Scholarship Committee, Joyful Seniors, and Finance and Stewardship. Doris enjoyed traveling, entertaining, serving her community, contributing to charitable organizations and attending sporting events. She was a proud Pirate of Hampton University.

One brother, Bernard James and two sisters, Ernestine James and Olivia Gibbons preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory are her brother, David Carl James (Susan); sister, Loretta Atkins; nieces, Juanda Gibbons and Karla James; nephews, Willie Gibbons (Jennifer), Craig Williams (Terri), and Troy Evans (Adiclere); great nieces, Danielle Williams and Bella Evans; great nephews, Craig Williams, Jr., Kingston and Cairo Evans; other relatives and special friends, Helen Holston, Dorothea Mills, Josephine Whiting, Patricia Lancaster, Mattie and Lorenzo Coley and Whitney ‘Butch’ Jones.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2021. Funeral services will he held at 11 a.m, Friday, March 12 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Entombment private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Smith-Poole Scholarship at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220. Live streaming at scottsfuneralhome.com. Watch Video here: https://vimeo.com/524276402

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Doris always carried the "Hampton Spirit" beautifully and, of course, I admired her greatly for the way she let her life do the singing. She was my colleague at George Wythe High School in Richmond, Virginia. To family and friends: may the memories we share keep your loved one close in heart. Peace be with you. Imogene Hodge Draper

May you rest in peace. Most of all I send my condolences to your family and friends that knew you best. May God continue to show them comfort and peace as they lean on him.

Ms. James was a special and well respected educator and I enjoyed our times together with Phi Delta Kappa activities. She was a kind and delightful person to be around and I had a great deal of respect for her great service to the students of RPS. To the family, may you find comfort in knowing that warm thoughts and sincere sympathy are with you today. Dennis Winston and family.

Ms. James was guidance counselor for our class of 1974 at George Wythe. She was so kind and always classy, and she had a big impact on my college plans. She would come to our class reunions and was always welcomed affectionately by all. I wish that I could give her another hug. May she rest in peace, and may her family be comforted. Doug Whiting

Doris , May you rest in Paradise in peace with Angels, Donna and Phillip

To the family of Doris James. I am Marion Parker Fleming who grew up in Rich Square.Doris and I graduated from Creecy High School in 1948 and then both of us attended Hampton, graduating in 1952. There are so many beautiful memories that I have about our growing up. She was always peasant, loving, cooperative and fun to be around. My deepest condolences to all of you as you bid her goodby. She was one of my dear friends.

I was deeply saddened to see Doris's obituary. I had the pleasure of working with her for a decade at George Wythe. Doris was a delightful person, always smiling, always spreading joy and hope. She was devoted to her students. She was a valued and respected leader and friend to her colleagues. Her warmth and sense of humor radiated throughout the school. Ed Pruden

To Loretta and family, when God calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. May your pleasant memories of Doris carry you through this difficult time.
Mary Fox, University Heights, Ohio

Rest now.

Ms. James was a beautiful, strict, leader of the Proud Majorettes of Armstrong High School and was a wonderful teacher. Some of the best memories that I have are of the 3 years I spent under her leadership as a high stepper. May she REST IN GOD's Peace! Thanks for the MEMORIES! Joyce Booker Johnson