Gertrude E. James Obituary (1935

Gertrude E. James, 79, of Benton Harbor passed away Friday, March 13, 2015 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Gertrude was born September 23, 1935 to the late Lucius Bess and Katherine Stuecy in Memphis, Tennessee. She was married to John James who preceded her in death. She is survived by her children Barbara James, John James, Brenda James and Damarco (Sharon) James; sisters, Shirley Stuecy-Hughes and Ernestine Owens; god-daughter, Shenita Bruce-Keene; 13 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and a host of nieces and nephews. Gertrude is preceded in death by her husband John James, parents, daughter, Kathleen Bruce; daughter-in-law, Laurie James; three brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be held at 12 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at New Bethel Baptist Church, Benton Harbor with Pastor Maurice McAfee. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.