Annette Elizabeth James

A native of Buffalo, NY, Annette was born to the late Lenora Everett and William Brooks on January 14, 1960. Annette graduated from Hutchinson Central Technical High School in 1978. After high school, she attended Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA and later Erie County Community College in Buffalo, NY. When Annette returned to Buffalo, she fell in love with a new hobby, bowling during the summer of 1980. This is when she met the love of her life Chuck. On June 5, 1982, they married & started a family. In 1988, Annette and Chuck relocated to Guilderland, NY to raise their children. During that time, she worked at the State Employees Federal Credit Union and MVP Health Care. A devoted mother, Annette attended all of her children’s athletic events cheering loudly from the sidelines. In 2006, Annette and Chuck uprooted once more from New York State to Charlotte, NC. In Charlotte, Annette became a dedicated partner of The Mount at Charlotte serving on the Greeters Ministry. Within her church, Annette participated in community outreach assisting various events like back to school drives & helping those in need. Annette was a very special member of The Mount community and touched the lives of many through her generous heart. Annette’s love of food translated into her enjoyment of cooking and baking various kinds of cuisines for her loved ones. Every weekend or during the holidays, you could find Annette testing out new recipes in her kitchen with her special sous chef Bianca. Nothing brought more joy to Annette than her grandchildren, who they affectionately referred to as Gigi. Gigi blessed her grandchildren with any and everything imaginable. Despite her illness, Annette led a full and vibrant life. She never let her illness distract her from living and enjoying life to its fullest, while touching the lives of others unbeknown to her. In addition to bowling, Annette was an avid international traveler, and enjoyed attending various jazz concerts and festivals.

Annette was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Elizabeth Everett. She is survived by her loving husband Chuck, beautiful children Tiffany (Kevin) Bailey, Wynantskill, NY, and Jason James (Laura Forgea), Jersey City, NJ; her precious grandchildren Alexander, Isabella, and Scottie; siblings Norman Everett, Buffalo, NY, Annie Pearl (Willie) Johnson, Wilmington, NC, Katherine Randolph, Suitland, MD, Kim (Charles) Turner, Chesapeake, VA., Additionally, she leaves to cherish her fond memories a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Annette’s love of life and culinary cuisine will continue to shine through her legacy.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Annette’s memory may be sent to American Cancer Society at: https://www.cancer.org/.

A visitation for Annette will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at McEwen Funeral Service-Derita Chapel, 6300 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenderitachapel.com for the James family.