Nellie L. James

Nellie Lovida James, affectionately called Manell, was born on May 17, 1943, on the beautiful island of Jamaica, to parents Altamonte and Evelyn Allen. She grew up in the central region of the island, in Coleyville with her ten siblings and was the twin sister to Neil.

From a young age, Nellie displayed remarkable skills in dressmaking, cooking, and gardening. She was well known for preparing wholesome meals not only for her children but often shared with neighbors and friends. Children and young people in particular were drawn to her gentle spirit and kind heart. Though she had modest means, Nellie was rich in compassion. She never hesitated to share what little she had with the less fortunate, embodying a true spirit of generosity.

She entered matrimony in 1962 with Horace James her childhood sweetheart and the union produced six children. Nellie became a devoted stay-at-home mother, dedicating her life to caring for and nurturing her family. When her children grew older, she took a job at one of the local high schools to supplement the household income. However, her deep sense of commitment to her family soon led her to give it up, as she chose instead to focus entirely on giving her children the best possible chance to succeed in life.

Nellie demonstrated her love for God and was baptized into the Seventh Day Adventist faith in 1992. She attended the Coleyville SDA Church and grew her faith. Later she and Horace migrated to the United States, where they lived with their eldest daughter, Angella who lovingly reciprocated the care and devotion her parents had shown throughout her life.

In 2015, Nellie faced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband. Nevertheless, she drew strength from her belief and love of her family. Nellie soon renewed her faith and committed in attending the Jacksonville SDA Church.

In 2022, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy. She went into remission, but soon the cancer returned aggressively, and she eventually succumbed to the illness. During her last month she was placed on palliative/hospice care. Even as her health declined, she continued to smile through her pain and reassure everyone who enquired about her wellbeing that she was doing fine. Her strength through it all was remarkable.

She quietly passed away on October 25, 2025, in the early morning hours, in the loving arms of three of her daughters as they attended to her morning care. She is survived by all her children: Paul (wife Carla), Angella (husband Lance), Monique, Karen (husband Karl), Janice (husband Daniel), Gregory. Grandchildren: Paul Jr., Amanda, Kimberly, Ashley, Stephanie, Ryan, Jonathan, Jessica, Rhodney, Christopher, Ellexsie, Caitlyn, Jayden, Geovanny, Deanna, Jayson, Austin. Great grandchildren: Josiah, Jayce, Cayden. Brothers: Cecil and Hugh and sister Petreline, nieces and nephews and a host of cherished relatives and friends. We mourn, but not as those who have no hope, for we look forward to that blessed hope when Jesus Christ returns to redeem His own. Rest in peace Manell.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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