Sarah Ellen (Fells) James, born on August 2, 1922, was the second oldest of ten children blessed to the late Harvey and Annie Fells. Sarah was a regular attendee at Sunday School and Church at Second Mount Zion Baptist Church in Hanover, VA. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and had a deep, abiding faith in God. She was an active member of Second Mount Zion's Senior Choir, Pulpit Circle, Senior Missionary Ministry, and Rock of Ages Ministry. Sarah attended school in Caroline County, VA and was very proud of being a high school graduate. Sarah was married to the late Benjamin Franklin James. To this union were born four daughters: Gloria (deceased), Eva, Annie, and Delphine. She adopted as her own, Benjamin's son, the late Willie Franklin James. She also helped raise three grandchildren (Eugene Swinton, Jr., Shiron Swinton, and Keronda Swinton), several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Sarah and Benjamin had a multitude of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Sarah will be remembered for her ability to love and talk to others without judging them. She was also well known for helping those in need. Sarah was always driving around Alexandria or Caroline County with a car full of clothes or a trunk full of homemade sweet potato pies and rolls (along with a heart full of love) for friends, family, and others. She leaves to cherish her memory, three devoted daughters: Eva James (her faithful, primary caregiver), Annie Washington (Haywood), Delphine Coleman,  three foster daughters: Jacqueline Young, Sylvia Brown (Michael), and Kathy Foster, one foster son: Reverly Braxton (Charlotte), one brother: Harvey Fells, one aunt: Margaret Lewis, one sister-in-law: Elizabeth Fells, one daughter-in-law: Mary D. James,  fourteen  grandchildren,  forty-five great-grandchildren, twenty-one  great-great-grandchildren, two great-great-great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Second Mount Zion Baptist Church, 31220 Old Dawn Road, Hanover, Virginia 23069 with a viewing two hours prior to the service. Pastor Marvin Fields will be delivering the eulogy.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.