BETTY JEAN JAMES
August 22, 1933 ~ June 15, 2021
Betty Jean (Wilson) James was born to Elroy and Johnnie Mae Wilson in San Antonio, Texas. The only and oldest daughter during this time to many brothers. She did her schooling at Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Phyllis Wheatley High School, and St. Phillips College.
She built her career of almost 50 years in retail; corporations such as Wolf and Marxs, Joske’s, Dillard’s and Macy’s in downtown San Antonio. Betty was the first black Sales Associate in San Antonio with end retailers. This lead her journey to modeling, newspaper features, and T.V. commercials on a prestigious network.
Betty was a loving wife and very supportive mother. Her children got the value of a Catholic School education. She was very proud of all their accomplishments. Betty found great joy in all her family, Emmanuel Baptist Church and her grandchildren, They were her sunshine!
She often attended the Opera and Broadway plays at the Majestic theatre with close co-workers. Eastern Star, National Postal Alliance and Quarter Century Club were memberships that delighted her also.
She was a beautiful woman with a “no non-sense” motto.
Betty Jean James is survived by her sons: Charles (Mary), and Alvin (Judy); daughter, Diane; brothers: Woodrow (rose), Ernest, and John (Thelma); grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Betty’s spirit is in Heaven together again with her husband Nathaniel, son William, daughter, Gail, brothers: Leon and Earl; and her parents
Services
Private Interment:
Fort Sam Houston National CemeteryView current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
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To the Family, my heart broke and is heavy knowing I can’t talk to her anymore. She was always so kind and thoughtful. I appreciate her heart and the times she listened to me cry, laugh and fuss. She was a GREAT Woman. I will miss her dearly. God bless you and your family.Â
I used to be the paper boy! She told me, Exactly where she wanted her Express and News paper to be right on the front step; It was like X marks the spot.
From the Coffey Family from Houston Texas may you Rest in Peace and share your Love with Lord .take care Lee Coffey.
Do not stand on her grave and weep. She is not there. She does not sleep. For she is a thousand winds that blow. She is the diamonds of glistening snow. She is the sunlight on ripened grain. She is the gentle autumn rain. and when you awaken in the morning hush, she is the swift uplifting rush, of quiet birds in circled flight. She is the soft stars that shine at night. So do not stand on her grave and cry. she is not there. She did not die.
I hope the words in that poem ring true for you as I know someday they will for me. But not today. Today…
Stop the clocks. Disconnect the telephone lines. Prevent the dogs from barking. Silence the pianos and with muffled drums bring out the coffin. Let the mourners come. Let the airplane circle in a sunny sky over head, scribbling the message, ‘Betty James is dead!’ . Tie great, black bows ’round the necks of all white doves. Make traffic policeman wear black cotton gloves. She was our north, our south, our east and west. Our working week. And our Sunday rest. She was the noon, the midnight, a talk, a song. I thought my dear friend would live forever – but I was wrong. the stars are not wanted anymore. Black out every one. Darken the moon and dismantle the sun. Drain all the oceans and sweep up the woods. For nothing now can ever come to any good.Â
Do not stand on her grave and cry – perhaps you can. But today – not I…
My dear friend Betty, You will always be a part of my hopes and my dreams. You will always be a part of my past and my future. You will always be a part of me. And because i knew you – my life was changed for the better.
Love, your friend always, Miguel
Mrs.James was a very good neighbor.She will be truly missed.
My condolences to the James’ family. My heart is heavy as I’ve just learned of Betty’s passing. I will always remember the determination Ms Betty James empowered. I met Betty when I was 18 years old when I started working at Joske’s. She had a strong will and could be an intimidating person in my early years. We then worked together at Dillards for many years. She shared many of her lives challenges and struggles she had to overcome. My respect grew tremendously for Ms James as she demanded nothing less than a equal opportunity. She taught me about retail, people and life. She had a love for her coworkers at Joske’s and was always ready to plan the next big event to give meaning to all the people that had dedicated their lives at Joske’s. I could go on and on wt memories of Ms James…. May Betty Rest In Peace, until me meet again.