Mrs. Harriet Pierce James, Educator, Leader, Friend passed to her eternal home from her residence, Court Street, Appomattox, on Christmas Day 2010, following a lengthy illness. She was the widow of Gilbert L. James, Sr. who passed away September 13, 1972.
Three children were born to this union, Beatrice Pierce James of Richmond, Gilbert L. (Buck) James, Jr. of Appomattox and John Pierce James of Richmond. Mrs. James was born July 4, 1920, on her father's 500 acre farm in Nottoway County which is now Ft. Pickett near Blackstone. She was a daughter of the late Beatrice Jones Pierce and Dr. John Baptist Pierce who was the first Negro Agricultural Agent in the United States.
In 1932, Mrs. James was confirmed at the St. Cyprians Episcopal Church in Hampton, Virginia and was a diligent member until she moved to Appomattox. After several years she was the pianist at First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Harriet James was a 1942 graduate of Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Arts degree with a major in English, Education, Physical Education and Health. She later did post graduate work at Teachers College, Columbia University, Michigan State University, and the University of Virginia. In 1946 she started her teaching career at Carver-Price School in Appomattox. During her twenty-five years at Carver-Price School she served as Senior Sponsor, Drama Coach, and Director of the Chorus and Coach of the Girl's Basketball Team. From 1963 to 1964 she served as a Supervisor of English for the State Department of Education. With school unification in 1969-70 she became Guidance Counselor at Appomattox County High School until her retirement in 1987.
Mrs. James was an inspiration, role model and leader for many students. An innovator in bringing out the hidden talents of young people, she taught them folk and square dancing and worked with them in drama and choral groups. She dedicated her life to teaching and helping others for a total of 41 years. Many adults will tell you that Mrs. Harriet James opened the doors of life for students by believing in them, giving them a chance and setting a professional example. Her positive influence upon the Appomattox County Schools and community will continue for many years to come.
She attended First Baptist Church of Appomattox and for many years played the piano for the Senior Choir. She was also very active in civic organizations in her community and state.
In addition to her three children whom she dearly loved, she is survived by nephews, John William Pierce of Monroe, LA; Charles Orin (Bubber) Jefferies and wife, Pauline of Graham, NC and their children, Charles Orin (Butch)Jefferies, III and his wife Beuancha of Snellville, GA; Paula Jefferies McKinney and her husband, Mike of High Point, NC and their daughter, Jordyn Arnita Jefferies and Dr. Rex Jefferies and wife, Sheronda and their children Jacob Will (Jake) Jefferies and Lee Pierce Jefferies of Durham, NC; a niece Gloria Ann Pierce of Little Rock, AK; a cousin Dorothy James of Cleveland, OH; very special friends, Ed and Sharon Whiting of Richmond and their daughter, Mycah and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 2, 2011, at Appomattox County High School by the Rev. Carl B. Hutcherson, Jr., the Rev. Raymond Lawing Jr., Pastor Rodney Waller and Minister Tim Lawing. Burial will take place on Monday, January 3, 2011, at noon, in Galilee Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 1, 2010 and other times at her residence on Court Street.
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be made to the Harriet P. James Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist young persons with their higher education. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 307, Appomattox, VA 24522.