On Saturday morning, February 1, 2025, our dear mother, Hazel Tyler James, sadly passed away in her home. She was born on January 6, 1935, to Walker and Parthenia Tyler in James City County, VA.
A life long resident of James City County, she attended Bruton Heights School. At an early age, she was baptized and joined Shiloh Baptist Church, Croaker. She served as a member of the Shiloh Senior Choir and the Missionary Ministry; serving both ministries well until her health began to fail and she could no longer attend church services.
She was united in Holy Matrimony to Clyde James. This union was blessed with two daughters and four sons.
She retired from Eastern State Hospital, Williamsburg, as a Psychiatric Aide, after thirty-five years of dedicated service; and retired from Brookdale-Chambrel, Williamsburg, after ten years of service.
Hazel was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. She loved watching her favorite television show, “Bewitched”, naming her children, mainly their middle names, after characters on the show. Although she had a quiet spirit, she loved visits with her children, grandchildren, and friends. When entering her home, she was always seated at the kitchen table; and when you knocked, she could see who was at the door and would say, “Come in, it’s open”.
She will truly be missed as she was given ninety years with us, and we know we will be lost, not having her in our presence. But “God knows best, she lived a fruitful life here on earth.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde James Sr.; parents, Walker and Parthenia Tyler; brother Welford Tyler; daughter-in-law Sheila James; and grandson LeTroy Wallace.
She leaves to cherish her memories, daughters, Alethea C. James and Teresa Frazier (Wardell); sons, Clyde James Jr. (Teresa), Kevin James, Reginald James, and Craig James; grandchildren, LaTasha, Antoine, JaBray, Jasmine, Kevin, Adrian, Tiffany, Renarda, Kenya, and Aftin; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ethel Melvin (Lutrell); brothers-in-law, Charles James (Nancy), Lewis James (Christine), John Leo James (Stacie) and Sherman James (Candace); beloved cousin and best friend Barbara Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many caring friends.
A funeral service to celebrate and honor Hazel’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church-Williamsburg. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. James may be viewed in the church on Friday beginning at noon until the hour of her service.
