Laura James, 82, of Marble, passed away Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, at Murphy Medical Center.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and the daughter of the late Utie and Maggie Barker Raxter.
Laura worked in the cafeteria in the Cherokee County school system. She was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed Word Search puzzles. Laura loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, J.D. Derreberry and second husband, Authur “Jesse” James; one son, Michael James; her twin sister, Lula Day, and sisters, Barbara Sain and Alma Almond; one brother, Lawson Raxter; and one son-in-law, Jim Burton.
She is survived by her children, Gloria Burton, Audy James and wife Pam, Gary James and wife Karen, Tammy Eller, Keith Derreberry and wife Pattie, Jeffery James and wife Jeanie, and Krystal Day and husband Scott; three brothers, Clayton Raxter, Sonny Raxter and Garland Raxter; grandchildren, Jesse James and wife Anna, Aimee Day, Kimberly Bowers and husband Justin, Ashley James, Andy James and wife Aneka, Christopher James and wife Emily, Jeremiah Chancey and wife Scarlett, Justin Abernathy and Jeremy Abernathy; several great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. The Rev. Ben Adams officiated. Burial was in Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeremiah Chancey, Jesse James, Justin Bowers, Justin Chastain, Audy James and Randy Sain. Honorary pallbearers were Jeff James, Gary James, Christopher James, Andy James, Keith Derreberry and Scott Day.
The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Valley River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 217, Andrews, NC 28901.
You may send tributes to the James family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.