Sandra McSwain James

Sandra McSwain James of Shelby, NC, completed her journey in this world on March 14, 2025, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. No longer struggling to live, she is “resting in the bosom of Jesus,” reunited with her beloved son Robbie Weaver, who died too young, her mother Vivian and other family members.

Sandra was the loving daughter of the late Charles and Vivian Cooksey McSwain. She was the wife of Herby James, the love of her life. She was the sister to Danny Parris, aunt to Danny Wayne Parris (Wendy), niece to Dottie McIntyre and the late Larry McIntyre, and second mom to Ashley McIntyre. But the apples of her eye were her grandson, Hunter Weaver (Ashleigh), and great granddaughter, Peyton James.

Although she worked outside the home as a young adult, her calling was with family members, being there when anyone needed her. Known as “MawMaw,” she was the bonus matriarch of the large, blended family which she loved with all her heart: sons Brandon (Jackie), Shawn (Buffy), and the late Brian James. She especially loved all the James grandchildren: Lilli, Audrey, Preston, Chloe, Patrick, Cody, Austin, Trevor, and Taylor. She was always attending birthday parties, school functions, and life events.

When the great grands came along, she was over the moon with love for Peyton, Kylie, Kinden James, children of Cody, and Turner James. Her most recent great grand is Emma Greene, the daughter of Hunter and Ashleigh. Sandra’s loved ones included the late Herbert and Dot James, Herby’s parents, and the members of the Weaver family, the members of the Cooksey family, and the members of the Pennington family. She was especially close to cousins Teresa Cooksey Ramsey, Jerry Cooksey, Susan Cooksey (wife of the late Gene Cooksey) and her extended family, and Bud Cooksey. Cousin Ashley McIntyre, the daughter of Dottie Pennington McIntyre, grew up with Robbie and was a second child to Sandra. Only a few years younger than her aunt Dottie, the two of them were more like sisters. There’s a hole in the hearts of these and other family members.

Sandra’s friends will also miss her, especially the ones she volunteered with at various schools and community events and her best friend, Debbie Greene. For her volunteerism, Sandra was recognized with certificates and awards, including the Paul Harris Fellow award presented to her by the Shelby Rotary Club. She loved volunteering more than she loved collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. Most of all, she loved helping school children. Today there are young adults who still call her MaMaw because they loved her as their helper in various grades.

Sandra McSwain James lived her life loving and taking care of others. Life was not easy as she struggled with health issues, especially with her heart. However, with God’s help and will and determination, she overcame the adversities time and time again. Prayers from many, many people helped this time, but ultimately her body was not strong enough for the open-heart surgery she needed. Her generous heart is now with all the loved ones she had to say goodbye to over the years, but her earthly family and friends will sorely miss her, especially Herby, Hunter, Dottie, Ashley, Danny, and Peyton, those closest to her over the years. Rest in peace our beloved “Sank” and “MawMaw.” We love you.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00pm Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, at Cleveland Funeral Services conducted by Rev. Steve Durham. A visitation will be held from 2:00pm – 3:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s’s Children Hospital or to the charity of one’s choice.

To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.

A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.