Mary Ella James, beloved daughter of the late Cassie Mae and Less T. Jones, was born in Baconton, Georgia on July 29, 1933.

She received her primary and secondary education in the Mitchell County School System and actively participated in numerous school activities and functions.

Having professed her belief and faith in the Lord early in life, she was baptized and received the "right hand of fellowship" into the body of Christ at Saint James Baptist Church in Baconton, Georgia.  In later years, she united with Rhema Word Cathedral in Albany, Georgia under the leadership of Bishop Victor Powell.  Over the years, she remained rooted and grounded in the Lord and served faithfully until she became ill.

On May 5, 1951, she was united in holy matrimony to Ulysee James, Sr.  Their union endured through the years and they were blessed with eight loving children.  Mary Ella was domestic at heart and unwavering in her dedication to foster a Christian home filled with love, joy, and strong values.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved her family unconditionally.

A source of encouragement and joy to everyone she met, Mary Ella lived a very full and satisfying life.  She was a deeply caring and compassionate person whose life was filled with service to others.  Even in the midst of health challenges and adversities, she was always grateful for every good thing that came her way.  She was a stern but gentle lady who greeted each day with a smile and touched the lives of many  You couldn't know her without being inspired by her love and devotion to her family, friends, and community.

On May 11, 2019, Mary Ella answered the Master's call to come home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ulysee James, Sr.; and her siblings, Less Jones, Jr., Lewis Jones, and Margaret Wimberly.

She leaves precious memories that will forever be cherished by her children, Ulysee (Linda) James, Jr., Donn James, Janice (Jeffrey) Evans, Karen (Isaac) Carter, Vernoris (Glenda) James, Tommy James, Rita (Wendell) Mitchell, and Tameka (Booker) Saylor; step-son, Mercer (Nichole) Butler; siblings, Annie Doris (Cornell) Dotson, Tanjar (Corey) Jones, and Charles Jones; a sister-in-law, Gertie Jones; goddaughters, Johnnie Hunter (Kenneth) and Levetta Lee; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.