Today we honor our mother, Lorene James, born on April 21, 1953 in Ottawa Illinois born to Mr. and Mrs. Dwight and Anna Phelps.  Lorene had five brothers: Thomas, Robert, Kenny, Jerry, Michael, and five sisters: Karen, Sandy, Christine, Angela, and Tina. She had numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.  Raised in Illinois and later met and married her true love Noel Wayne James who were married for 50-years until he passed on August 25, 2021.

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of a woman who understood the profound importance of family and sharing special moments with each other; a woman who found beauty in simplicity, joy in service, and comfort in her faith.

Our mother had a gentle soul, much like the small dogs she so loved. She found peace in simple pleasures, whether it was from the vibrant splash of purple she adored, or watching the wild peacocks roaming outside her hospital window.

Her hands were rarely still. They crafted warmth and comfort, most notably for me was the full-sized blanket she crocheted for one of her grandsons. Those same hands offered gentle care when she worked as a CNA, where she connected deeply with her patients and their families, and understanding the sacred trust placed in her to care for others.

We cherish memories of coming home to find her with her grandchildren, all of them engrossed in Animal Planet and the adventurous spirit of Steve Irwin and his alligators. She was deeply proud of all her children’s successes and content with treasures that she had, so long as her family was happy.

The soundtrack of her life included many hours of listening to golden oldies, and no artist captured her heart quite like Elvis Presley. Her lifetime collection of Elvis memorabilia, pictures, and tokens was a testament to her steadfast devotion to the things she loved.