Mom, you were the rock of this family and I pray we continue with togetherness while we grieve missing your vibrant personality and beautiful smile.  

Rest in heaven and tell Granny hello.  Love you and miss you dearly. 

One of your loving daughters Sha'rrie and family.

It is with a heavy heart that I share my condolences with the family (my cousins).  My memories of Mary began in Mobile, Alabama, when we played together as small children.  We are the children of two sisters-  my mother Grace Robinson Tyler and her mother Frances Robinson Luna, who loved on us and through us. I've enjoyed our phones calls and truly appreciate the most recent ones.  Thanks for keeping us laughing! 

 Rest Well My Sweet Mary!  Your Spirit will forever light up the world!

From Harriet and daughters -Pamela, Helena, Tasha, Ashley, grands and family.

L to R

Julius, Joseph, Voncile, Naomi, Mary Frances

The day you left was the hardest day of my life. I had just put in my vacation days to come and visit you and Dad after the Christmas holiday and before your Birthday. I was so excited that the time was nearing, waking up each day, looking forward to greet you with open arms and see your beautiful face.  But; what I wasn't expecting, is that God had something different planned for my visit home. This realization has been really hard for me. Although; i can't stop longing for you. I have to accept what God has chosen. Momma. I just want to Thank you for going hard for me and always sticking by my side. You made such an impact on my reasons to push ahead. Thank you for all the knowledge and wisdom you shared with me. Thank you for equipping me with the courage and strength needed to persevere through life. You were Tough, Stern, But; a loving Teacher. You added the structure needed to guide and direct your children to success. Momma, although your presence is no longer here on earth. I feel that your spirit is always here with me. I love you Momma. Rest well. I pray that I am able to meet up with you again 💞🙏🏽💞

Giovani and Nana  (aka Bonnie is what is Nana called him 😂) 💜💜

Mom (Nana), Leslie, Lil Peter, Pierre and Giovani (aka Bonnie by his Nana).  We Love you so much Mom. I know you’re in heaven showing them what classy is all about 💜💜 Thank you Mom and Pops for opening your doors and welcoming me into your home and lives  as your daughter with no hesitation. Mom, I learned so much from you and will never forget you and all the memories, laughter and conversations we shared. Love always Leslie💜💜

Mom,
I remember when you would say, "This is my baby right here. Dottie, come sit on my lap."  Laughing I'd say, " Mom...I can't do that, I'm too heavy for you." Smiling... you'd say, " No you're not," while reaching your arms outward and gesturing for me to come over, so I did. I would sit down, ever so lightly,  as to not put too much weight on your lap. You'd say, "it's ok, you won't hurt me," So  I would cautiously sit, becoming more relaxed  then you'd just hug me and stroke my hair. It was so comforting,  everything just felt right with the world, right there, in that moment.  Then I'd say, "  Ok mama, that's enough," we would both laugh as I got up. It is little moments like this among other moments that  we shared that were everything to me. 

Mama I will miss our phone calls when I'd say, "Hola Madre," and you'd say "Hello Darlin!" Moments like these are merely a peak into the many memories that I will forever cherish. 

Mom you were a counselor, teacher, nurturer, naturally talented, loving, strong, wise, confident, giving, understanding, humorous and very fashionable. You were my best friend, an awesome grandma, and the best storyteller ever! You were a woman who wore many hats. Thank you so much for a all the lessons taught, for sharing your life's experiences,  and for being you...the best mommy ever! 

Mommy, your light shown bright! Thank you for all that you were, are, and will continue to be to all of us....Our Mama...Our Queen. Rest Well Beautiful.  Well Done! 

I love you to infinity and beyond💖🤍💝🕊

My dear, dear Mary Frances James
Instead of a sister-in-law, you were like a blood sister to me.   I have cried and cried and whenever I think of you I can't control the tears.  I am certainly going to miss talking to you.  We live far apart but we used the telephone.  I already miss hearing your voice so much.  I know the children and grans will take care of their father.  I can only imagine how much my dear brother misses you.  We love you but God loves you best. Sleep on my dear sister and someday we will meet again.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Love forever.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Carrye James Davis

Nana...my Nana.
I know you're not in pain any longer...and forgive me for being selfish... I want and Need you here.

This is the toughest pain I've endured thus far. I am angry, I am confused, I am empathetic, overall so sad.

You are one of the best women I've ever known and I promise I will never forget you. These feelings are strange I've Never felt this pain before its ovewhelming. 

Nana I promise to make sure you live forever in me.

I love you soooooo much it hurts 😥 😔. 

We'll take care of your bestfriend (grandaddy). I promise.

Rest Well next to The Most High.

Hi Family,
I know that this is one of the toughest times right now to see this wonderful woman leave us physically but she will always be in our hearts. I have known her since Darlene and I became friends so like forever and Mrs. James and her entire family embraced me like I was their own. She is a woman of many talents, she use to show me how to play the piano. If any had the opportunity to have her in your life you were truly blessed. Thank you all for allowing me to be part of your family. Our condolences, she will be truly missed.🙏❤️

All our prayers are with your family at this time. Although we didn’t have the pleasure of meeting in person, we have heard many wonderful stories about Mary from Alayzha, and had the blessing of speaking over FaceTime.  We love Alayzha, and her spirit and kindness is a reflection of the spirit of her mom.  God bless you all at this time. 
Linda and Barry Moore
(Connors parents)

Nana , granddaddy , granny , Giovanni (grandson)

Nana & granddaddy at my parents (Darlene& Scotty’s) wedding

Nana with her grandkids Dee Dee & Kelvin jr

Nana with her daughters  (Darlene & Sylvia @ Darlene & Scotty’s wedding)

Nana & granddaddy with their daughter Darlene on her wedding day

Their love story will always be my favorite one 🥹🩷

I love you so much nana and I miss hearing you sing.🥹🩷

Dec 2021 I made a trip out to California to visit Aunt Mary Francis  and Uncle Sam.  I  was so blessed to have the opportunity to see her...she was such a good aunt when we was growing up. Good and loving memories...rest well beautiful until we see you again.

I miss you so much nana, it’s so hard to function without you here. I love you so much.

Nana I love you with all my heart you’ve been there for me since I was born you raised me around the time my mother wasn’t able to I always looked at you as another mother to me I never looked at you as a great grandmother you’ve done so much for this family I love you to the moon and back

Our bobs was fye😭😭 Oh how I miss you. Please watch over me.  Till I see you again beautiful!
-Azulae Smith

I will forever miss you. It’s been hard knowing I won’t be able to talk to you. I remember all the times I would walk through that front door and you would compliment me until you couldn’t no more. You probably didn’t think much of it but to me It was everything. Being able to sit at a table with you every holiday is a memory I will forever cherish. I will forever love and miss you, 
Your Daughter,
Azulae Smith

Paris meeting her Great-Grandparents for the first time (2020)

My deepest condolences 💐 will aways be in my heart.She was a mom too me as well treated me with love ❤️ Amazing singer, And Super Model.Gone too soon 😢 I’m glad God allowed me to spend time with Mr James and Mrs James recently. What a joy . I’m praying 🙏🏽 For this amazing family.

remember when you had to spoon food me well into i was almost 10yrs old.. remember when the backpacks were to heavy on my back and you had me doing the middle walk everyday for a week w the books on my head to better my posture! oh remember when you helped me build all my projects in middle school 💗 i miss you. Thank You for Giving Me and My Sisters The Best Life Possible! i couldn’t thank you enough!

I love you mom, 
You are my best friend, 
My teacher, 
My first love, 
My best friend, 
My Everything, 
Mom after your departure, I stayed awake each night hoping to hear your voice, see your face, and feel your presence around me.
I would give anything to share the last evening we shared together as we laughed and talked, I combed your hair, we hugged each other and said good bye, and see you later, until tomorrow.  On tomorrow, you went away, not to stay, because I am sure that I will see you on that special day. 
I Love You Mom, Now and Forever, your eldest little girl,
 Mona Lisa James-McDonald

OBITUARY

Mary Frances James

January 5, 1940 – November 30, 2023

Joshua Mortuary Palmdale

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