Mary Elizabeth (Lanius) James passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the age of 85 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born in St. Louis on August 18,1938 the youngest daughter to her parents, Travis and Elizabeth Lanius. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. She will forever be cherished for her kind, loving, encouraging nature and her unwavering faith in the Lord. She was an intercessor and a prayer warrior.
Mary is survived by a loving family: her siblings, Alice Schultz and Ruth Buntin; her son, Charles (Kim) James; her daughter, Beth (Gary) Hutson, bonus daughter, Devine Allen ; grandchildren, Bradley (Kendra) Jackson, Amanda Hutson, Beau (Jamie) Hutson, Audrey (Josh) Rumsey, Tara (Javon) Thompson, Samantha (Sergilio) Grullon, Austin (Julie) Gohn, and Natalie Zamudio; great-grandchildren, Heaven (Justin), Maddi, Xavier, Dominiq, Ashlyn, Daniela, Blake, Levi, Evelyn, Clive and Makayla; great-great-grandchildren, Brighton, Brantley, Kaydence, and Joselyn. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Travis and Elizabeth Lanius; her husband Charles L. James; her in-laws, Bernice and Chester James; siblings, Albert and Jerry Lanius; her children, Vickie James and Dana Gohn; and grandchildren Sean Jackson, Lauren, Bentley, Isaiah and Elian.
Mary’s life was marked by her devotion to her family and her faith in Jesus, her Lord and Savior. She enjoyed shopping, studying the Bible, journaling about her failth, cooking and baking, often hosting family and friends.
Services: Her life will be honored at a Celebration of Life service on Friday, August 16, at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. with visitation from 10am-12 noon, followed by a service officiated by Grandson, Pastor Austin Gohn, at 12 noon. Burial with military honors for Charles and Mary James following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bellevue Christian Church in Pittsburgh, PA or Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support.
There are not enough kind words to describe Mary/Maw Maw, she came into my life when I was but a young woman & had lost my mother to fill a void in mine, my husband & our daughters life without ever being asked. She lived next door to us for over 40 years & it was like living next door to your mother. It could not have been any better, we will miss & love her everyday, peace to her & her family.
And she loved being your neighbor, mom and mawmaw, too! Thank you for all your love, support and all the times you helped her and me out! As my mom would say, “I love you, I love you, I love you”
I will always treasure.
Mary and my heart. We were so bonded in our love for the lord and to each other. The memory of her assuring me of her love for me will always remain with me! So grateful she was a part of my life!