Belphine B. James

07.10.1942         01.25.2017

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.

• Proverbs 3: 5-6

• ​

Belphine Brailsford James, 74, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at McCleod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina. Born on July 10, 1942, in Summerton, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late William and Inez Brailsford.

​

Belphine was educated in the Clarendon County public school system. She attended and graduated from Scotts Branch High School in 1959. She loved the Lord and was extremely proud to be called a Christian. At an early age, she accepted Christ and became a member of The Historic Liberty Hill AME church. She later moved to Brooklyn, New York where she frequented Greater Free Gift Baptist Church. As the years passed, she eventually became a member of Morning Dew Baptist Church. Throughout this time, she was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Jacob Esau James, who preceded her in death in July, 1993. She often expressed how she wanted to move “back home”. Therefore, in 1999, she returned to her roots in Summerton, South Carolina and rejoined the Liberty Hill AME church family. She became a stewardess and served as a faithful member until her passing, under the leadership of Reverend Robert L. China.

​

While affectionately known to some as “Ms. James,” she was also known to others as “Baby Doll” or “Sassy J.” She often said what she meant, and meant what she said. She was an honest and dedicated person. She instilled positive values in her children such as always think positive, always believe in yourself, never give up and anything someone else can do, you can do better. She worked hard every day of her life to provide for her family. Her resume’ includes several years of being a secretary for Contract Administration (26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, NY) and Bryant’s Furniture Company (Brooklyn, NY), retiring as a Machine Operator for Federal Mogul (Summerton, SC) and working for the Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs Board (Manning, SC).

​

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: five children, Gloria Sanchez of the home, Anthony Henderson (Bronx, New York), Cheryll (Jerry) Johnson (Manning, SC), Bobby Brailsford (Summerton, SC) and Beverlyn Brailsford. Also, cherishing those memories are three grandchildren of the home: Tyheira Mayrant, Tionna Sanchez and Tymeir Pearson, as well as three great grandchildren of the home: Emauri, Emaiya and Tristen. Additional family members include 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren , one step daughter Maureen Henderson (Brooklyn, New York), one stepson Willie (Corinthia) James (Summerton, SC), a God Daughter: Shaneen Georgia, three sisters: Mazie James and Catherine Blanding (Summerton, SC) and Sarah Barber (Sumter, SC),  four sisters in law: Eartha Mae Gibson (Summerton, SC), Agnes Thomas (Summerton, SC), Rhetus (Edward) Mahoney (Brooklyn, NY) and Roberta Tindal (Summerton, SC), one brother in law: John James (Summerton, SC), one aunt: Carrie Brailsford (Summerton, SC) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

​

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers: Allen “Buck” James, Freddie Gibson, Pearlie James and Morris Brailsford.

Submit Your Online Condolences