Mildred Jeanette Welch James

Mrs. Mildred Jeanette Welch James, 89, died Thursday, May 11, 2023, at her son’s home in Oxford, MS. The funeral will be Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Minister Les Ferguson and Doug Shields, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:30 P.M. A private graveside service will follow in Shiloh Baptist Cemetery.

Mrs. James was born on December 18, 1933, to the late Hubert and Euretta Welch. A graduate of Yocona High School, she furthered her education by earning her Bachelor’s Degree, Master of Education, and Educational Specialist Degree from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS. As a 4th grade teacher, Mrs. James loved her students dearly, committing 36 years to her profession at Caledonia Elementary School and Lafayette Elementary School. Fueled by her passion and hard-working nature, she waited until she was 68 years old before finally retiring from her life’s work as an educator. In her free time, Mrs. James found great pleasure in researching her family’s genealogy, carefully documenting all of her discoveries for future generations. She enjoyed sunny spring days spent in her yard, working hard to keep it in pristine condition. A beloved member of Oxford Church of Christ, Jeanette found great joy in visiting with her church family as often as possible. With an outgoing and kind nature, she never met a stranger and could carry on conversation with anyone. Mrs. James was a loving mother and mother-in-law, and cared deeply for her beloved grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo James; grandson, Terry James II; brothers, Hinton Welch and Benny Welch; and sister, Monte Lambert.

Mrs. James is survived by her daughter, Carol Briggs and her husband, Dan of Columbus, MS; son, Terry James and his wife, Teresa of Oxford, MS; four grandchildren, Tracy Cossitt and her husband, Mark of Oxford, MS, Forrest Briggs and his wife, Laura of Lacey’s Spring, AL, Jacob Briggs and his wife, Jennifer of Caledonia, MS, and Nathan Briggs and his wife, Kassidy of Steens, MS; and eleven great-grandchildren, Jaiden Green, Sarah Briggs, Emily Briggs, Barrett Briggs, Spencer Briggs, Hayden Cossitt, Leo Briggs, Annie Reed Briggs, Owen Briggs, Millie James Briggs, and Maizie Briggs.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mrs. James’ memory may be made to Oxford Church of Christ, 409 North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, Mississippi 38655 or online at https://ococ.org/give/, or to a charily of your choice.