Maggie Margaret James

Maggie Margaret Montague James was born in Caroline County, Virginia on March 10, 1900. However, the 1900 census has her as being one year old and born in 1899. At her death, she was the oldest living person in Virginia and the 12th oldest person in the United States. Maggie was the daughter of the late Bettie Montague and the fifth grandchild of the late Johnanna Montague.

Maggie or "Miss Maggie," as she was affectionately known was a lover of education and completed the 5th grade at Paige School in Woodford, VA. The one room school wasn't far from where she grew up and she frequently told stories about her beloved teacher Ms. Alice. She truly enjoyed reading and took pleasure in skimming through the daily newspaper even well into her early 100's.

Maggie married her sweet heart, the late George Earnest James of Woodford, Virginia on July 25, 1922. From this union two sons were born, the late George William and Clarence Linwood James. Maggie loved all of her children. She always marveled at her ability to live so long and felt she was truly blessed to be able to see her children and grandchildren grow into adulthood.

One of Maggie's most memorable recollections was when she gave her life to the Lord and became a member of Third Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Woodford, Virginia. There she faithfully served as a deaconess, missionary and sung on the church choir. During the Great Depression, Maggie certainly acted as a leader in her church community by providing food to people in need from her farm, and serving as an inspiration during the trying times of the early 1900's. She always attributed her blessings to God and praised Him saying, "God has been good to me."

On Friday, June 1, 2012 at 5:50 p.m., Maggie quietly took her last breath and the angels ushered her through the light leading to her heavenly home. Her purpose here was fulfilled; we have been blessed to have her with us for more than 112 years.

Maggie was preceded in death by her husband George Earnest James; her two sons George William and Clarence "Fats" James; and her daughter-in-law Verniece "Niece" Garnett James.

Maggie leaves to cherish her memories, one daughter-in-law, Pearl James; six grandchildren: Vernessa Ware (David) of Milford, VA; George William James, Jr. (LaVerne) of Portsmouth, VA; Clarence L. James, Jr. (Janine) of Raleigh, NC; Kenneth W. James, Sr. (Barbara) of Woodford, VA; Jean O. James of Woodbridge, VA; and Earnest M. James of Baltimore, MD; eighteen great-grandchildren: Tia Courtney; David Ware II; Whitney Ware; Angela Lawson; Jennifer Anderson; William Corey James, Sr.; Nathan James; Maryann James-Daley; Chantal James; Cilicia James; Clarence (B2) James; Kenneth James, Jr.; Theresa James; Mary Limbrick; Earnest James, Jr.; Omega Moore; Atia James; and Dominique James; fifteen great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great grandchild; great-great-grandsons in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.