January 15, 1940 – December 21, 2021
Lillian Cecil May James, native of Alexandria, LA and longtime resident of Central, LA was born on January 15, 1940 and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 21, 2021. She was a 1959 graduate of Istrouma High School. As a faithful member of Blackwater Methodist Church, Lillian lived her life as an ardent follower of Jesus Christ who never met a stranger. Famous for her Sunday Dinners, her family gathered at her home weekly to share a meal. This speaks to who she was as a vibrant care-taker who delighted in looking after her loved ones. Lillian was never happier than when she was surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The joy of her life was caring for them in any way possible; whether that meant a meal when you were sick, special deliveries of banana pudding and pumpkin bread, phone calls, or a hand-written card to let you know you were special. Lillian was preceded in death by her most cherished husband of almost 60 years, David P. James, her brothers-in-law, Frank James, PhD, Charles “Bowman” James, Sister, Helen Allmand, and her parents Cecil and Lillian (Higgins) May, Sr.. She is survived by her brother Cecil (Lulu) May, Jr. and sisters-in-law Iris R. James and Dona Mae James. She was the devoted mother to Tara (Gary, Jr.) Chapman, Troy (Robin) James, and Kaley (Ron) Taylor. She was the most beloved Grammy to, Misty (Jason) Regan, Heather (Kevin) Acord, Gary (Merrisa) Chapman III, Jacob James, Hannah James, Kelsey (Michael) Didon, Katelyn (Zachary) Johnson, Alexis Taylor, and Austin Taylor. Grammy was also the proudest great-grandmother to an expanding brood of great-grandchildren including Jackson and Cooper Acord, Nannette and Annabelle Regan, Henry and Shepherd Johnson, and soon-to-be Baby Didon. She was also the treasured Aunt Sissy to many dear nieces and nephews. Her legacy of caring for others and living for Jesus will survive in our hearts and actions forever. Services will be held at Blackwater United Methodist Church 10000 Blackwater Road Baker, LA 70714 on Monday, December 27. Visitation will begin at 9:00am through Noon followed by the funeral service at Noon. Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Honduras Mission Fund at Luke 10:27: A Community of Faith (536 Centerville St NE, Denham Springs, LA 70726) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.