Doris June James

Doris June Williams was the eighth child born to Elisha and PenDora Williams in Piney Woods, Mississippi. All of her siblings (Irene Ladner, Carlie Williams, Joan Taylor, Geraldine McClurkin, Leola Hendley, Miller Charles "MC" Williams, Wayne Williams, Melvin Williams, and Gloria Williams), her one and only son, Leon E. James II, and granddaughter, Kirsten, preceded her in death.
The little girl from Piney Woods, Mississippi, had big dreams! In 1948, after graduating from High School at the age of 16, Doris left Piney Woods and moved to Robertson, Missouri, to live with her sister, Irene.
She was baptized at an early age and joined the First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertson, under the pasturage of Reverend James E. Butler, in 1948. She served in many capacities at the church over the next seventy-four years, such as the health unit, the young women's auxiliary, the WMU, and she availed herself to assist in any capacity when needed. She was also a Sunday school teacher and was an instructor for the Bible Training Unit classes. In 1988, she became the first woman trustee of the church and later became the chairman of the trustee board. She knew and loved the Lord; she willingly shared God's word and love. One of her favorite Scriptures was Romans 8:28. She remained as chairman of the trustee board until her passing and was the oldest member of the church at the time.
Doris attended Stowe Teacher's College (currently Harris Stowe University) and completed her medical technologist degree at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Doris was a trailblazer. Among her many "firsts," she was the first African American member of the then St. Louis County Board of Education, the first African American serving on the Berkeley School District Board of Education, the first African American serving on the St. Louis County Superintendent of Schools as a School Board Member, and the first African American medical technologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Alton, Illinois. Doris volunteered in the Scudder School District which was later merged with the Berkeley School District. She was president of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) for many years at Elzy R. Smith Elementary School in Robertson, before and after the 1975 merger of the Berkeley and Ferguson-Florissant School Districts.

Doris ensured that all the students were treated fairly and was a tireless advocate for all students, but especially for African American students who may have been underserved and felt they had no voice. She often went above and beyond to assist parents and students with working out difficult issues. She was an altruistic leader who worked for the betterment of all.

In her beloved community of Robertson, she opened the small store called the Robertson Foodliner. This store served as a resource to all that lived in the community. It is here where Doris continued to plant the seeds of entrepreneurship all while demonstrating what it means to be of service to others. She often assisted those in the community by providing groceries and other necessities when needed.

Doris loved the outdoors! She had a green thumb and could make anything grow; she was a farmer at heart. Anyone in the community can tell you that after a hard day's work, she would unwind by planting in her garden. And anyone from Robertson can tell you that this was no small. garden. Doris , along with her sister Irene and brother MC, planted EVERYTHING in their garden. They had beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes... you name it!
True to form, she would share the fruits of her labor with those in the community. She loved to give. It gave her great joy to experience the pleasure of others when she gave something. Doris was an excellent cook. She was known for her monkey bread and her signature pound cakes. Most times she would have a freshly baked pound cake ready to give away. If she didn't have one made, she would scurry home and bake because she wanted to get it to the waiting recipient as soon as possible.

In 1977, Doris co-founded the Whitfield-James Mortuary. In 1994, after a restructuring, she became owner, president, and CEO of the Williams-James Mortuary. She belonged to several professional organizations, including the St. Louis Gateway Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association.
During her many years of service, Doris received numerous honors and awards from various professional and social affiliations she served, such as school districts, the Robertson and Elmwood Park communities, Who's Who, her beloved church, the First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertson, and many other organizations. She has also received honors from the St. Louis Gateway Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association.

She peacefully passed away on April 28, 2022, surrounded by her family, just days shy of her 90th birthday on May 6. She was an inspiration to many. Although there's a myriad of accomplishments on paper, her generosity and service to others is the legacy that she leaves. For all those that knew her, knew of her, received her love, were adopted by her or affiliated with her, she was something special.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-eight years, Leon E. James; two daughters, Sheila James and Stacie Grant (Clarence); six grandchildren with two bonus granddaughters, Christopher (Mechelle), Shamel, Monique, Kynnedi, Krisha, and Mekkah; four great-grandchildren, Cortez, Leon, Cayleigh, and Logan; sister-in-law, Mary James; Niece, Lois Tolbert; seven godchildren, Arlene Dockett, Robin Wilson, Kara Whitfield, Natalie Hayes, Celeste Taylor, Sanford Bell III, and Christoff Ruffin; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Doris June Williams James lived a full life. She loved her family, her church, her community, but above all she loved the Lord; she was a good and faithful servant. Like a diamond, she was brilliant and multifaceted not one-dimensional. Her love, laughter, and generosity will be greatly missed.