Mrs. Leila R. James, 85 of Wilson, NC and formerly of Asheville, died at Wilson Assisted Living, Wilson, NC on August 13, 2020.   A private funeral service is planned for immediate family. Direct condolences to edwardscares.com . Professional and personal services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 805 Nash St. East in Wilson.

Obituary

Leila Mae Robinson James was born on April 7, 1935 in Asheville, NC to John Robinson, Sr. and Mary Jenkins Robinson.  It was in this Buncombe County community that she was reared, attended the public schools and graduated from Stephens Lee High School, developed a strong work ethic, and established her Christian foundation and values at Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Asheville.

Throughout her life, Leila was gainfully employed in the area of housekeeping.  Before her retirement, she was a Custodian at Blue Ridge Mental Health Clinic in Asheville where she was a valued and trusted employee.

Leila Mae James was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and storyteller.  She, a resilient soul, epitomized the idea in every sense.  No matter what life cast in her path, she found a way to overcome, survive, and thrive. The legacy she bequeaths to our family is the spirit that, by her example, is to always move forward; push through obstacles; and most importantly, keep the faith and never lose hope.  Although she will be missed, her light shines on as a beacon, whose memory will continue to envelop us in and everlasting warm embrace.  For that, we are eternally grateful.

She is survived by her son, Abdul-Salaam I. Rashad of Rocky Mount, NC; two grandchildren, Khalil McMillan of Rocky Mount, NC and Jaquan McMillan of Asheville, NC;  and sister-in-law, Sandra Robinson of Greensboro, NC.  She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Jenkins and John Robinson, Sr. and brothers, John and Henry Robinson.