Vernice Lockhart James

Vernice Lockhart James was born on December 20, 1947, in Florence, South Carolina, the beloved daughter of the late Walter Daniel Lockhart and Julia Mae Lockhart. She received her wings on the morning of Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Vernice was a proud high school graduate of Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina. She completed higher educational studies at Midland’s Technical College, Limestone College, and the University of South Carolina. Ms. James had over 40+ years of service with the federal government. She married her best friend and former husband, Melvin Lee James, and together they had three daughters, Staci, Sonya, and Shelli.

Ms. James’ faith began as a youth attending Elizabeth Baptist Church with her parents and siblings. Her Christian journey continued as a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church where she first gave her life to Christ. She spent much of her later worship at Brookland Baptist Church and her love for God never faltered throughout her life.

In her leisure time she enjoyed traveling, crocheting, watching movies, listening to music and being with her daughters and grandchildren. Her daughters and grandchildren were truly the joy of her life. Her love for her children and grandchildren was boundless. She will be missed by all those who loved her dearly.

In addition to her parents, Vernice was preceded in death by her grandparents George and Ella Mae Hyman; her sister, Julie Ann Holt; brother-in-law, Sr. Chief Master Sergeant David Williams Jr.; and nephew, Nathaniel “Cupid” Baggett.

Those who are cherishing her fond and precious memories are her three loving daughters and sons, Staci Lynette James,  Sonya (JT) Carroll, and Shelli (Joshua) Golson-Mickens; her former husband, Melvin James; loving grandchildren, Jazzmine O’Shae, Jaelyn Octavia, Jessica Rae, JT II, Brian Anthony, Courtnie Rae, Rianne Grey, and Soleil Mishell; great grandson, Jaden Russell; loving siblings, Bessie Mae Williams, Virginia Lockhart Newman, Nathaniel (Doris) Lockhart, and Shushelia Lockhart, and a long list of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss her.

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