I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 On January 24, 2009 Sherri Summers James was made whole and began her eternal rest in the arms of the Lord.
Sherri Summers James, the seventh child of J. C. and Johnnie Mae Summers was born August 29, 1958. She was a native of Prichard, Alabama and a lifelong resident of Selma, Alabama. Sherri confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her early walk with Christ started at First Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. C.H. Peterson. Upon moving to Selma, she united with Greater St. Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. P.W. Waller.
A humble servant
During her life of service to Christ, she served in different capacities. She was the past president of the matron department, intermediate class Sunday school teacher and deaconess. In 2006 God called and Sherri answered. She became a licensed Minister of the Gospel. Sherri ministered too many during her daily walk through her strength, courage, and radiant smile.
A protector and provider
Sherri received her education from the school system in Mobile County. She was 1976 graduate of Mattie T. Blount High School. Anyone who knew Sherri knew that she was a diehard bulldog of Alabama A& University, graduating in 1980 with a Business Administration Degree. She furthered her education and received a Masters of Elementary Education in 1996 from Alabama State University.
During her professional career she made an impact in the lives of the students at the C.I.T.Y. program as an education coordinator for at-risk children. She also served as Administrative Assistant to Mayor James Perkins, Jr. and the Director of Trustbuild for the City of Selma.
A loving wife and mother
While hanging out in Mobile, Alabama in 1997 at her favorite event Mardi Gras, she ran into an old family friend named Ollie D. James. To make a long story short, the two lovebirds united in Holy Matrimony on April 18, 1998. She was a woman that showed her family how to pray and trust God. Sherri loved the Lord and showed that in her daily walk.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Johnnie Mae Summers, one sister, Bobbie Summers, and one brother, J.W. Summers. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories a very loving and devoted husband: Ollie D. James, one loving and very devoted daughter: Andria T. Irving, eight caring and very devoted siblings: Gerome (Vinona) Summers, Chicago, IL; Johnny (Minnie) Summers and Mitchell (Corliss) Summers, both of Peoria, IL; Janet (Billy) Swopes, Mobile, AL; Nan (Richard) Curtis, Veronica (Edgar) Brown, Karol S. Purdie, and Tanya (Leroy) Miles, all of Selma, AL; mother-in-law:
Mable James Gwin, father-in-law Tossie Gwin of Mobile, AL; four sisters-in-law; Sharron (Ben) Williams, Sheila (Benny) Williams, Thersia Jackson, and Marjoretta James; three brothers-in-law: Charles (Rosie) James, Timothy (Glenda) Witherspoon both of Mo-bile, AL: John (Rita) James, Stone Mountain, GA: five aunts Barbara Johnson, State Line, MS, Shirley Wimbush, Albany, NY, Cora Reynolds and Ella Hill both of Pittsburgh, PA; and Ledora Summers, Prichard, AL; three uncles, Hunter Ben (Ruby) Nelson, McIntosh, AL and Arthur (Carolyn) Nelson, Quitman, MS; William (Bertha) Summers, Pittsburgh, PA 32 nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind seven very special friends: Sheyrl L. Johnson, Tammy S. Maul, Mr. &Mrs. James Perkins, Jr., Henry Hicks, Clara Haynes and Darlene Rudolph, and many other relatives and friends.