Mary Etta Porter James, 93, was born on April 6, 1922 in Greenville, SC to Willie Reid and Bertie Mae Porter Carter. She entered Heaven's gates on March 31, 2016.

She retired with 35 years of service at Brown & Williams Tobacco Company in Winston-Salem, NC. She was also employed several years with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company and Taylor Brothers Tobacco Company.

Mary had an unwavering faith in God. She attended Agape Faith Church in Clemmons, NC before her declining health.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Rufus G. James; her son, Alphonso Lee James; and her brother, Lewis Porter.

She is survived by her two sons, Rufus (Wilma) James, Jr. and Harold L. (Phyllis) James; one daughter, Vernette James (Don) Hauser; 9 grandchildren, Antonio (Patricia) James, Tanya Finley, Gregory James, Rodney James, Terryl (Jennifer) Couthen, Kim Couthen, Dierdra James (Derrick) Williams, Quentin A. (LaKeisha) James, and Danette Hauser; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; her brother, Albert C. (Geraldine) Porter of Newark, NJ; and a host of other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Thursday at the Chapel.