Sybil Robinson James

Sybil Robinson James, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on June 12, 2010, to begin her eternity in Heaven. She grew up in the difficult years of the Great Depression but found happiness with her four sisters and two brothers. She had a special relationship with her twin sister, Sylvia. They were so alike and yet so different and because they are part of one another, they have a bond that can never be broken. After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1940, Sybil worked to put herself through business school. She then became a secretary for the Roanoke Times, where she met her husband, Frank. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage until his death in 1999. She was an active member of First Baptist Church for over 80 years. The friends she made in the Friendship Sunday School Class were her closest and she knew some of them for over 75 years. Sybil had a way of touching the lives of everyone she met. She will be missed by all who knew her. Although saddened by her passing, her family takes comfort in knowing that she will forever be free of pain and they rejoice to know that she is in the presence of her Savior and Creator. Preceded in death by her husband, Frank P. James Jr.; mother, Anne Estella Robinson; two brothers, Ray and Vernon Robinson; three sisters, Thelma R. Bible, Juanita R. Griffith and Eileen R. Spencer. Survived by her daughter, Becky J. Sours and grandson, Jacob Sours, of Iowa, and daughter, Kay J. Martin and son-in-law, Larry Martin, of Roanoke; twin sister, Sylvia R. Jamison, of Roanoke; and special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Colleen and Donald Huffman. She loved each of her many nieces and nephews and their families. The family would like to thank special friend, Liz Hall, for her devotion to Sybil. She stayed by her side and gave her comfort, love and spiritual support. The funeral will be held at noon on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at Oakey's South Chapel, 4257 Brambleton Ave. S.W. Interment will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends Monday, June 14, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome, or if preferred, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 515 Third Street, S.W., Roanoke.