Virgie Watts James (Watts)

Mrs. Virgie James, 95, widow of the late Hallie Byrd James, Sr., of Charleston, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Virgie James was born on January 10, 1920 in Conway, SC to the late Willie and Foye Watts. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was raised on a farm in the Red Bluff Community. At a young age in the mid-1940s she left the farm to work at the Charleston Naval Shipyard when women were called to serve their country during World War II. It was there where she met her husband and they married. Virgie was a true southern lady and never spoke a bad word about anyone. She was a powerful influence in the lives of her children and everyone she touched. A woman not afraid to take a chance, she was very innovative for her era. She loved gardening and flowers, cooking for her family, and spending quality time with her family. Virgie raised and sold champion poodles, she ran the James Furniture Company and she was also a member in the Order of the Eastern Star #284, James Island Chapter. Survivors include her daughter, Marie James Brown and her husband Jay, of James Island; her son, Wilson Carl James and his wife Marilyn of James Island; grandchildren, Daphne Marie Bockenstedt, Lisa Jaye Brown, Angela James Copleston, Israel Elizabeth James and Dylan Wilson James; 4 great-grandchildren, Hallie, Abigail and Madison Copleston and Vivian Bockenstedt; 3 sisters, Elise Chestnut, Alberta Long and Willene Tucker. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her son Hallie Byrd James, Jr. The family would also like to say a special thank you to Lorraine Bales, friend and companion. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 11am on Monday, November 9, 2015 at James Island Baptist Church, 2023 Wappoo Drive, Charleston, SC. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel. Condolences may be viewed or submitted at www.McAlister-Smith.com Arrangements were entrusted McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, JAMES ISLAND CHAPEL, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-614-8494.

Visitation:
Sunday, November 8, 2015