Mrs. Helen R. James

Mrs. Helen R. James, the widow of the late Dr. Reverend Theophilus J. James of Tampa, Florida, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026. In her lifetime, Mrs. James was defined by her devotion to the three "F" words: Faith, Family and Friends. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, 2606 W Grace Street, Tampa, FL 33607, with Pastor William Cade, Eulogist. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue Tampa, FL 33610.

Mrs. James, born on May 4, 1933 in Valdosta, Georgia, resided there until her family relocated to Tampa in 1945. She attended the Hillsborough County Public Schools and graduated from George S. Middleton High School, Class of 1952. Following her graduation, she pursued further education at Brewster Technical School, where she earned a Degree in Bookkeeping and Accounting.

Mrs. James then joined the Hillsborough County Public School System as an employee and retired after 39 years as an Accounts Payable Clerk.  Mrs. James was a devoted member and First Lady of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School Secretary, Assistant Financial Secretary, Choir Number 1, Usher Board Number 3 and Mission Circle Number 4.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, David C. Mitchell (Amanda); God also blessed her with a bonus son, Willie J. Levins (Shirley); granddaughters, Angela Mitchell, Diana Mitchell, Allison Mitchell, Ph.D., Katrina Hall and Kimberly Gaymon; great grandson, Alexander David Mitchell; niece, Patricia Kendrick of New Orleans, LA; nephews, Jerome Green, Michael Green, James Purvis (Sandra), and Herbert Kendrick of Japan; great niece, Dr. Jennifer Green, as well as other loving relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, 2606 W. Grace Street, Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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