Helen Glenna James

Helen Glenna James, 93, of Raleigh, NC, passed away November 7, leaving her earthly home for Heaven. Glenna was born on January 16,1932 in Leaksville, NC where she loved playing as a child with her many cousins; not to mention learning from her own Mom how to keep a beautiful garden and develop a green thumb, of which Glenna carried on throughout her life, making even the most forlorn flowers perk up and bloom with gusto.

After moving to Charlotte, NC at age 10, Glenna adored and was essentially a second mom to her baby brother, Jeff (Thomas Jefferson Carter) who she chased all along the streets of uptown Charlotte. Her jobs included working as a line inspector and weigher with Celanese Corporation of America at the Celriver fiber plant located in Rock Hill, SC as well as The Saucy Crepe’ Distinctive Caterer in Charlotte, NC. But Glenna’s pride and essentially full-time job were her 7 children. Moving from NC to FL to DC to MS to TX and then settling back in her home state of NC, Glenna was known for her ability to never meet a stranger. She may have been late for most occasions, but her sweet spirit always lit up the room whenever she arrived. She was a lover of people and a prayer warrior for even those who were unaware of her bowed head and conversations with the Lord on their behalf. She especially loved music, particularly when gathered with her children for family “jam sessions.”

Glenna accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior as a young adult. When the Holy Spirit got a hold of her heart, in her words, “Nothing was going to keep me from walking down that aisle” at the invitation during one particular service at their local church in Washington, DC. As an adult, she served as a devoted member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC where she continued to grow in her faith and dependence on the Lord.

Glenna was preceded in death by her mother, Queenie (“Mimmie”) and father, Thomas Jefferson (“Ring”) Carter; sister, Corrine Haynes; brother, Jeff Carter; daughters, Glenn Kline (Ron) and Donna Barbour; son, Doug James; grand-daughter, Tonya James; nephew, Ricky Haynes; great nephew, Tripp Haynes and niece, Carrie Harmon. She is survived by her sons Alan James (Rusty) and Donnie James (Dana); daughters Michele Pruyn (David) and Jenny Wayne (Eric); son-in-law, Billy Barbour; daughter-in-law, Janice; as well as grandchildren David Barbour (Chad), Robbie Helms, Brian James, Matthew James, Christie James, Megan James and James Pruyn. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren; Malachi, Lily, London and Kip.

The family will celebrate Glenna’s life together privately at a later date but welcomes everyone to remember her in their own special way.
We deeply appreciate the kindness and support of friends and loved ones during this time. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care of both Jaeni Lin and Transitions Life Care provided to Glenna and our family.

2 Timothy 4:7 ~ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.