Joanne Belinda James

Joanne B. James, born in Sellers, South Carolina, to the late Ernest and Annie Lee James, lived a life grounded in love, service, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings: Birthamae Cobb, Ernestine Thurman, Geraldine Childs, Shirley James, Milton James, Kenneth James, Stacey Nesmith, and Joe James. Educated through South Carolina's public school system, Joanne answered her calling to care for others by entering the medical field. She furthered her education and dedicated her professional life to healthcare, serving as a compassionate healthcare worker at Hannaman Hospital and later continuing her mission of care at Lycoming College. In both roles, Joanne's nurturing spirit left a meaningful impact on those she served and worked alongside.Joanne spent many years living in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a community she came to call home and where her presence became a blessing to many. As a faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church, she volunteered in the kitchen ministry, preparing meals for church events and for those in need. Her food was more than nourishment—it was an expression of love, offered generously and joyfully. Joanne's life was defined by selflessness and care. A devoted mother to her son, Thomas James, she also helped raise her nieces, Kendra Sexton and Brittany Nixon, with the same loving guidance she gave her own child. Her home was always open—a haven for anyone in need of a hot meal, a kind word, or a mother's embrace. Her deep love for children led her to foster four, whom she later adopted: Tatanya James, Tymir James, Tasha James, and Tylil James. Through them, Joanne extended her legacy of compassion, creating a family knit together not just by blood, but by boundless love. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her children, Thomas, Tatanya, Tymir, Tasha, and Tylil James; her cherished grandson, Thomas "Scud" James; her daughter-in-love, Kavia Saxton; her sisters, Emily Siler and Andrea James (Charles Parks); and her brother, Ronald James. She is also remembered with love by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends who will continue to honor her legacy. Joanne B. James was a true matriarch—a beacon of love, strength, and generosity. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the family she built through her unshakeable faith and boundless heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.