Shirley Ann James

Shirley Ann James (Collins) of Laurel, MD died January 7, 2016 at her assisted living home, Angel’s Touch in West Friendship, MD. She was born January 23, 1932 to Goldie Mae (Walden) and Clarence Collins in Richmond, VA. Her maternal grandparents, Irene and Orion Walden, raised her until the age of 13, when she moved to Washington D.C. She graduated from Anacostia High School and worked for the local police department as a secretary. She met her husband Joseph “Howard” James while performing in the local roller rink’s professional shows, they were married November 1, 1952 in Washington D.C. Shirley worked at the Applied Physics Laboratory for many years after her four children entered public school. She was known for her social, fun-loving nature, as well as her parties and card-playing skills. She was also an accomplished seamstress and loved to make clothing for her children and grandchildren. After Howard died in 1988 she enjoyed traveling, shopping, spending time at her condo in Ocean City, welcoming more grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and taking care of her pets. She lived in her family’s home for over 50 years before moving into Angel’s Touch, where she found a home-away-from-home in the wonderful care of the owner Mark and his staff. She is survived by her Aunt Margaret Williams and family, her four children: JoAnn Young, Jackie Allison, Rusty James (Lisa), and Chris James (Lynda). As well as her grandchildren: Jamie Garcia (Sonny), Jenna Billard (Dan), Jessi Houser (Sam), Lauren Young, Christopher James, Ben James, Eric Young, and Chloe Young. And finally her great-grandchildren: Lucy Garcia, Mary Lee Garcia, Alice Billard, Ruth Garcia, and June Garcia. The viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 13th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Donaldson Funeral Home, 313 Talbott Ave, Laurel, MD. The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 14th, 11am at Good Hope Presbyterian 12131 Scaggsville Rd, Fulton, MD. Shirley will be laid to rest next to her husband Howard in Mount Zion Cemetery, 7405 Brown Bridge Road, Highland MD. Lunch will be served at Good Hope Presbyterian after the burial concludes, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be mailed to Angels Touch 12799 Buttercup Ct., West Friendship, MD.  21794.