Neva Anita James

February 25, 1944 - April 29, 2021

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Neva Anita James. Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and dear friend. She was born 25 February 1944 in Victoria, St. Catherine, Jamaica to Ruby Bennett. She was affectionately known by many as “Sa-Neva”. She married Gerald “Jimmy” James and raised their seven daughters and one son together. Neva dedicated herself to serve our Almighty God as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses while young. She later became an active member of both Florida and Georgia Congregations; always making an effort to listen to congregation meetings, often four times weekly. Being a stellar example of preaching in both formal and informal ministry, having continuous conversations with family members, but also while at doctor’s offices or hospital visits. Even through experiencing a myriad of health issues, Sa-Neva’s faith and service to Jehovah never wavered. Her trusting reliance upon Jehovah helped sustain her for many years. In Jamaica, Neva was an exceptional teacher. She was known by students and colleagues alike for treating each child as her own. Sa-Neva provided not only free lessons, but free lunches to those who needed to pass exams. She continued this service and proceeded to start her own school, where she nurtured hearts and minds through education. When she moved to South Florida in 1989, she again progressed and changed careers from teacher to caregiver. She worked her way from being a nursing assistant to a nurse in charge. Her love and passion for people was evident personally and professionally. Her lessons of hard work and willingness to work any job with enthusiasm, has been instilled in all of her family today. GiGi loved shopping with her grandchildren and researching Bible facts to quiz family and friends. Her memory of facts continued to amaze all and her knack for telling stories of when she was young and with her Jimmy. GiGi made great Jamaican food, and loved even more to have family gatherings at her home every Sunday. She passed away on April 29th, 2021. Neva is preceded in death by her husband of over 40 years, Gerald “Jimmy” James and her daughter Neclesia James as well as her parents and dear grandparents who taught her the truth. Sa-Neva is survived by her 2 brothers: Linton and Malcolm, her (7) children: son, Eric Gyles and her daughters: Janet James, Dee James, Lavern (Paul) Bell, Paula (Gilbert) Daley, Allison James, and Suzan James. She was the proud grandmother of 12 Grandchildren: Gary (Malwina), Tashnie (Phillip), Shanique (Scott), Theo (Bianca), Anna, Ricardo, Sherwayne, Brittany, David, Benjamin, Daena and Dane. She grew even more in love with each of her 7 Great-grandchildren: Zhaydra, Nathaniel, Samaya, Zhaiden, Sando, Thiago, Zaire and Nacari. Our dear Neva/GiGi, is now in the memory of Jehovah God yet, she will be missed dearly by all whose lives she touched. Her hope was that all turn to Jehovah, who brings comfort to us in times of distress and for the reality of his Kingdom in which his Son Jesus Christ taught us to pray. – Matthew 6: 9, 10 and Rev 21: 3, 4.