Novella Virginia "Iwady" James

Novella Virginia Johnson James was born on January 14, 1930 to the late Wilson Johnson, Sr. and Lucille Fosque Johnson in Wardtown, Virginia. She entered into eternal rest on December 22, 2024 at her home in Boston, Virginia. She was blessed to live to the tender age of ninety-four.
"Iwady," as she was affectionately known by many, was educated in the Northampton County Public Schools. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Wardtown, Virginia. After marrying Deacon Linwood "Buddy" James, Sr., she relocated to Painter, Virginia and joined New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Exmore, Virginia. Her work for the Lord was unending. She served faithfully on the Deaconess Board and the Missionary Ministry. Being married to a deacon kept her busy.
Iwady was a beautiful woman, with a beautiful smile, a pleasant personality, with a caring, kind, and forgiving heart. Raising her children, spoiling her grandchildren, and spending time with family and friends, was second nature for her.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Della Mae Collins; brothers, Ernest Johnson, Wilson Johnson, James Johnson, and Robert Johnson; and grandchildren, Salina Giddens and An'Kha Matthews.
Iwady's legacy of love and memories will linger in the hearts of her family, to include her three children, Samuel Giddens, II, Gladys Matthews, and Diana (Earl) Major; brothers, Alfonza Johnson and Ashby (JoAnne) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Jarrod, Keiford, Shamara, Shanika, Earl, Jr. (LaTanya), LaTonya, and Samuel, III; seventeen great-grandchildren; eight great, great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Novella Virginia "Iwady" James (Johnson), please visit our Tree Store.