Emma Lee James

            Mrs. Emma Lee James, 98, of Roseville, Michigan formerly of Youngstown, transitioned from this life to eternal peace on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

            Mrs. James was born July 11, 1928 in Sunflower, Mississippi, a daughter of Earl and L. A. Crigler Waller.  Emma had worked for 21 years in housekeeping with the Dan Lewis Realty Company, retiring in 1991.  She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, its Mission and Senior Usher Ministries and Sunday School.  She loved being with her family and many friends.

            She leaves to forever cherish her precious memory, her daughter, Pearlie Mae Payne of Detroit, MI; a sister, Mary Alice McConell, and a brother, Robert Waller both of Chicago, IL; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loving family, church family and friends.

            Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis James, whom she married June 15, 1985 and who passed away June 15, 2003; a son, Albert Hicks Jr.;  sisters, Annie B. Sanders, Pinkie Henderson, Annett Anderson, Vina Mae Everett, Fannie Lee Hubbard, L. A. Robinson, and Mollie Powell; brothers, Lewis Waller, Daniel Waller and Earl Waller.

            Visitation will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 827 Wilson Avenue, Youngstown.  A Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

            Ministry of comfort and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

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