Mary P. James, first lady of Trinity Baptist Church, succumbs at 74
1/7/2021, 6 p.m.
The first lady of Trinity Baptist Church in North Side has died.
Mary Peebles “Mary P” James, wife of Dr. A. Lincoln James Jr., who has led the church for 40 years, succumbed to illness on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. She was 74.
Her life was celebrated during a private funeral on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
Her family described Mrs. James as a “loving and compassionate” person who served “as a counselor to her family, friends, associates and even strangers” and also loved reading and playing mind-stimulating games.
Born in Lawrenceville, Mrs. James graduated from James Solomon Russell High School in Brunswick County. She went on to earn a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s in educa- tion from Virginia State University.
She worked at Central State Hospital for 10 years, primarily in vocational rehabilitation before marrying Dr. James, who was called to the Trinity pulpit in 1980.
Along with Dr. James, survivors include a son, Torrey James; a daughter, the Rev. Alexandra L. James; two brothers, Michael Barnes and Ronald Barnes; a sister, Susie Jane Valentine; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
