Mary J. James, 80, of Du Quoin, passed away at 7:27 P.M., Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Mary had been a homemaker and a factory worker for many years..  She was a member of the Old Du Quoin Baptist Church.  Mary was a Mom and Grandma to many young people.  She and her husband Jessie were always working in their garden.
She was born October 20, 1943 in Portageville, MO, the daughter of George Ervin and Mary Beulah (Kirkwood) Pratt.
She married Jessie Leon James on January 14, 1964 in Reno, AR and he preceded her in death on May 9, 2014.
She is survived by ten children - Danny Brickley of Lonoke, AR, Anthony James and wife Penny of Vergennes, Jesse James and wife Donna of Du Quoin, Teresa Bowlin and husband Kenny of Du Quoin, Jimmy James and wife Maria of Van Buren, AR, Mike James of Du Quoin, Robin James Brawdy and husband Tim of Muldrow, OK, Sheila Johnston of Du Quoin, Carolyn Boss and husband Phillip of Cambria, and Frank James and wife Gretchen of Du Quoin, five sisters - Betty, Susie, Louise, Nancy, and Glenda, seventeen grandchildren, thirty-nine great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 P.M., Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Ted Clark and Pastor Brantley James officiating.
Friends may call from Noon until the time of service on Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery in Du Quoin, IL.
Friends may make memorials to Old Du Quoin Baptist Church, Alzheimer's Association, or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.