Doris James of Brooklyn, New York, was the daughter of the late John and Bessie Beverly. She was the first born with only one sister. At age 11, she was baptized at Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn.

At age 12, she was featured playing “Prelude in C Minor” in a recital at Times Hall in Manhattan, New York. During the summers, she enjoyed visiting her grandparents in Bowling Green and Norfolk, Virginia.

Later in high school, she participated in the “Miss Sepia” Calendar Girl Contest as “Miss April” and won second prize. While in high school, she was introduced to the work force by the black couple who sponsored the contest.

As a life-long lover of learning, she went to school for business, attended multiple workshops sponsored by the 101 Black Business Women, and certifications in Interior Decorating.

Some of her hobbies included reading, writing, exercising, listening to music that included all genres, debating political matters, fellowshipping and of course rooting for her beloved NY KNICKS.

She was married to the love of her life Maurice James Sr on June 19, 1954 until his passing in March 2002. They had 2 children; a daughter Neema residing in New York and a son Maurice Jr residing in Virginia. She had one grandchild, Diondre.

Her employment experiences varied. The list includes; The American Federation for the Blind where she assisted with the production of “talking books” that were used for radio stations and the Library of Congress. During that time, she was honored to appear on The Betty Finesse TV Show answering questions pertaining to the blind. She also was a founding owner of 2 menswear clothing stores in Brooklyn, New York with her husband. Her last official assignment was with the New York Board of Education and retired from there in 1995.

During her exceptional life she had the pleasure of meeting many celebrities such as Stevie Wonder, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Naomi Sims, and Beverly Johnson, but her most FAMOUS CELEBRITY AND FRIEND IS JESUS CHRIST who guided her through life.

She was abundantly loved and will be missed by all.

A viewing will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 18410 Chapel Drive, Triangle, VA, 22172, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. The interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172, on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM.