Vernette Sexton James

Vernette Sexton James, a devoted homemaker and beloved member of her community, passed away on December 16, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Memphis. She was born on January 26, 1938, and leaves behind cherished memories for her family and friends.

Vernette's career roles included being homemaker, Sears catalog sales representative, and ultimately retiring from Kroger. Despite her various professional pursuits, her true passions lay in her family. She was well known for her love of gardening, reading, and traveling. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, who were a source of immense joy in her life. Born in Hardeman County, she was a resident of Memphis from 1956-1996 and lived in Somerville for one year prior to settling in Byhalia, MS. She was a member of Shelton Road Church of Christ in Collierville.

She is survived by her loving husband, Eugene James of Byhalia, MS, whom she married on July 13, 1957, her daughter, Renae Howell of Pocahontas, her son, Danny James of Palmyra, VA, and her sisters, Vadeen Stanfill of Germantown, Ann Wells of Saulsbury, and Vernice Miller of Collierville. Vernette took great pride in her grandchildren: Tiffany Howell, Christopher Lee Howell, May Flowers Shumate (Isabelle), Patrick Shumate (Jimin), Zachary Shumate, Ryan James, Nate Carr-James, and Justin Carr-Friend. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Jeff Shumate.

Vernette will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy Shumate, her sister, Evelyn Easterwood, her brother, Dr. Alvis Sexton, and her parents, Charles and Annie Belcher Sexton.

Visitation will be held on December 20, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors located at 201 South Main Street in Middleton, TN, followed by a Funeral Service beginning at 1:00 PM. A Graveside Service will take place on the same day at Rogers Springs Cemetery, starting at 2:00 PM.

Mrs. James will forever be remembered for her unwavering love, kind spirit, and the legacy of warmth she leaves behind.

Memorials may be sent to the Down's Syndrome Association of Memphis & The Mid-South or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.