Mrs. Olive Ruth Payne James

August 27, 1922 - November 16, 2019

Mrs. Payne was born to John and Carrie Dunlap Payne in Seminole County. Her brother, John H. Payne is deceased. She attended and graduated from Douglas High School in Wewoka, Oklahoma, and also graduated from Wilberforce University and the University of Oklahoma. She met and married Clyde James, Jr. (deceased). To their union the following children were born: Gerald, Ronald, Wanda, Jacqueline, William Bruce, Rita James Watson, Cecile James Miles, Clyde, III, Johnny, and Jessica James. Her other blessings are her 25 grandchildren, 51 great-great grandchildren and 13 great-great-great grandchildren. Mrs. James was associated with and belonged to many organizations, was recognized and honored by many, and was a retired teacher and educator by profession. She was a sweet, kindhearted woman that loved the Lord, her children, and her community. Mrs. James' life has and continues to span over nine decades. During those nine decades, she has been unrelenting in her effort to make a difference in the lives of everyone she touches. She was a leader and was recognized by her scholastic peers and teachers as an outstanding exemplary teacher. There is a statement, 'it takes a village' to raise a child. Mrs. James was a leader in that village for every child that she taught or touched. Her contributions made a difference and had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of students. Though she retired from teaching after 40 years, she continued to educate, motivate, and counsel until prohibited by illness and currently continues to be an inspiration to her family and the many friends and former students who continued to visit during her illness. She has been called to her heavenly rest and is and will be missed by all.