Harriet James

Harriet Pierce James

Mrs. Harriet Pierce James, educator, leader and friend, passed to her eternal home from her residence, Court St., Appomattox, on Christmas Day 2010, following a lengthy illness. She was the widow of Gilbert L.

James Sr., who passed away Sept. 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 St. Cyprians Episcopal Church in Hampton and was a diligent member until she moved to Appomattox. After several years, she became 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 a master's degree with majors 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 25 years at Carver-Price School, she served as senior sponsor, drama coach, and director of the chorus and coach of the girls' basketball team. From 1963 to 1964 she served as 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 to 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 on the Appomattox County schools and community will continue for many years to come.

She attended First Baptist Church of Appomattox and played the piano for the senior choir for many years. She was also very active in civic organizations in her community and state.

In addition to her three children, whom she loved dearly, she is survived by nephews, John William Pierce, of Monroe, La., Charles Orin (Bubber) Jefferies and wife, Pauline, of Graham, N.C., 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, N.C., 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, N.C.; a niece, Gloria Ann Pierce, of Little Rock, Ark.; a cousin, Dorothy James, of Cleveland, Ohio; 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, Jan. 2, 2011, at Appomattox County High School by the Rev. Carl B. Hutcherson Jr.,

Rev. Raymond Lawing Jr., Pastor Rodney Waller and Minister Tim Lawing. Burial will take place at noon Monday,

Jan. 3, 2011, in Galilee Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, 2010, at Robinson Funeral Home, and other times at her residence on Court St.

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.

Services of care are entrusted to Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Appomattox, and an online condolence may be sent by visiting their website at www.robinsonfuneral.com.