Rev. Elaine James

On December 28, 1946, a miracle baby was blessed to the union of Clifton and Lillian Marie McNeil. They named her Elaine. Little Elaine McNeil was the sixth of nine children. She was raised in Mobile, Alabama, in Ebenezer A.M.E.Z. Church, where her parents were dutiful and dedicated members. Elaine would go on to become a dedicated servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the latter season of her life, Elaine relocated to Oxnard, California, where she would reside until her return to glory, on August 22, 2019.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters (Carolyn and Harriet), three brothers (George, Leslie, and James), and her granddaughter, April. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Pastor Ralph James (Oxnard, CA); sister, Barbara McNeil (Mobile, AL); two brothers, Clifton (Ruby) McNeil and Jerome McNeil, all of whom reside in Mobile, AL; Four daughters: Tracie Alford (Atlanta, GA), Alison Alford (Oxnard, CA), Koya (Afori Sr.) Pugh, of Atlanta, GA, and Lotara James (Los Angeles, CA); three sons: Taj (Kim) James (Oakland, CA); Rashe Hall (Casselberry, FL), and Emiljon Hall (Atlanta, GA); ten grandchildren: Marcus Alford, Christian Alford, Solomon Alford, Afori Pugh Jr, Deja Daughtry, Kiyomi Moyoshi-James, Brooklyn Spencer, Miya Miyoshi- James, Zoie Hall, and Malik Pugh; One very close and special cousin, Julia Sinquefield; five devoted and loyal friends: Katrina Arnold, Linda McNeil, Rachel Dodson, Delores Franklin Micholotti and Karen Burnham; a faithful and loving congregation; a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.

After serving in the capacity of evangelist for many years, Ralph and Elaine co-founded Overcomers Community Outreach Ministries (Heritage Square Hall Chapel, 731 A St, Oxnard, CA 93030), where they co-pastored and led a thriving congregation, as a family. Those of us that are left to cherish her memory, will miss her infectious sense of humor, bold convictions, wise advice, uncompromising love and no-nonsense delivery of the Word of God.

A celebration of life will be held on August 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1777 Statham Boulevard Oxnard, CA 93033. Rev. Larry Franklin, of Dove Ministries, will be Officiating.