Estella James, 1959-2020

Stella was born Sept. 5, 1959, in Youngstown, a daughter of Pearline Dukes.

At the age of 5, she was adopted by Ernest and Ida James and became a sister to Kevin, Marty and Rona James.

She was a 1978 graduate of South High School and attended Youngstown State University. Known to be a hard worker, Stella was employed by Gateways to Better Living and Callos to provide care for the disabled. She moved onward to becoming an independent provider through her own company, “Just Like Family,” where she gave stellar care to her clients until she no longer could work.

She was a former member of Antioch Baptist Church where she sang in the choir.

Stella enjoyed listening to jazz, playing the saxophone in her youth, gardening, crocheting, puzzles and fishing.

Stella leaves cherished and beloved memories to her parents, Ida Mae James and Pearline Dukes; her two children, Gregory James and Akeera Mitchell; her fiancÈ, Woodrow Anderson Jr.; siblings, Kevin James and Rona James; nine grandchildren; her furry baby, Reese; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, and by a brother, Marty James.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, at L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, Youngstown. A 12:30 p.m. memorial service will follow at Heavenly Place C.O.G.I.C., 1350 Katherine Ave., Youngstown, 44505.

(special notice)