James Sibley Sr

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4 KJV
Deacon James Sibley, Sr. was born to the union of Louis Charles (L.C.) Sibley and Lee Etta (Mama Chicken) Payton Sibley on August 8, 1930. He was the third child of ten siblings. He was educated in the Natchitoches Parish School System
Deacon Sibley departed this life at his home on Monday November 3, 2025, and at the time of his death he was 95 years old. At an early age, James gave his life to Christ and was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Garfield Cox at New Zion Baptist Church. He later moved to Alexandria, Louisiana where he attended Second Evergreen Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Samuel W. Pullen, within a few years he united with Mount Pisgah Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Abe Lowe, and now under the leadership of Rev. Phillip Gallow, until his death.
Deacon Sibley was united in matrimony to Lelia Mae Bowman Sibley. To this union seven children were born. Deacon Sibley was a licensed truck driver for many years at Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Davidson & Sash Door Co. He had many talents which included playing baseball for Davidson & Sash Door Co. for many years, carpentry, hunting, fishing, singing, gardening, and being a member of the Spiritual Tornadoes. Deacon Sibley was well known in his community as a hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate man whose work was more than a job, it was a testament to his character and commitment. His dedication to his profession was only surpassed by his devotion to his family and those he loved.
He is preceded in death by his wife- Lelia Sibley, daughters- Elaine Sibley Rose and Yvonne Mitchell, son- Anthony Richard, and his parents-L.C. & Lee Etta Sibley. Also, preceding him in death are his brothers-William Joseph (Murleen) Sibley, Jessie (LeElmore) Sibley, Burrel (Nancy) Sibley, Sr, and sisters- Estella (Ben) Law, Betty (Roy) Holden, Willie Pearl "Sis" Sibley (Leroy, Sr) Banks and brother-n-laws-Jimmy Mason, Johnnie Watson and Chester Colbert. His grandsons-Brandon Brown and Andrico Hayes and granddaughter-Vallen Williams. Left to cherish his precious memories to continue his legacy of love are his children- Ronnie Sibley, Sr., Cynthia Stevens, Steven (Tawania) Sibley, Michael (Katherine) Sibley, Janice (Samuel) Payne, Jeffrey (Mary) Sibley, Sr., James Sibley, Jr., Cheryl Brown, Carolyn Yancy, Jaan Williams, Kenneth (Bridget) Richard, and Justin (Brenda) Newman Sibley. Twenty grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters-Lillie Watson, Lee Etta "Pookie" Colbert and Ora Mason, a good friend and companion-Nellie Milton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Deacon James Sibley, Sr.'s journey on this side is completed. He fought a good fight, kept the faith and now received his crown.