Alene Jeanette James passed away on Sept. 1, 2022 after a long illness. She was born in Laurel on March 2, 1939 to the late Raymond and Laura James (nee Wilkerson). The seventh of nine children, she was born on the same family farm where she passed. She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Emory James, Betty Elliott, Minos James, and Edna Studley, as well as two infant sisters and a niece, Cindy Studley. She is survived by her sister Elva Marie Adams, brother Howard James, sister-in-law Peggy James, and 11 nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Laurel High School in 1958 and joined the professional workforce, retiring from Outten Brothers as their longtime office manager. She enjoyed traveling, going to church, and working in the yard. She was a beloved babysitter to her nieces and nephews, to whom she was affectionately known as “Neen Neen.”
A graveside service was held at Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery on Monday, Sept. 12. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.