Brawley James

Brawley Murrill James, or “Ms. BJ” as many knew her, was born Brawley Murrill on July 31, 1943 in Burgaw, NC to the late Lucile Pickett Murrill and Daniel Murrill.  She gained her angel wings on February 25, 2023, at her home in Jacksonville, NC. 

Celebration of Life Service will be held 1pm Friday, March 3, 2023 at Greater St. Paul Holy Church (1300 Webb Town Road, Maple Hill, NC).  Burial will follow immediately after the service at the James Cemetery located in Maple Hill, NC. A visitation will be held 5pm to 7pm Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Akridge Family Funeral Care Chapel. 

She was just 79 years old. Although from Maple Hill, NC, Brawley spent most of her life in Jacksonville, NC.  She was educated in the Onslow County school system and was a devout member of Maple Hill AME Church, where she attended with her mother until she became an adult.  She later joined St. Paul United Holy Church, where she remained a member until the time of her death.  This membership was sparked by her union to William Edward James on March 11, 1961.  Brawley was preceded in death by her Brother Samuel Jordan Hall, Father Daniel Murrill, Mother Lucile Pickett Wiggins, Stepmother Nancy Murrill, Sisters: Annie Ruth Wells, Della Nuell, and Grandson Kenneth “KT” Glendel James, Jr.

Brawley’s life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were Blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint She left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that She stayed here. 

For over 35 years, Brawley served as a dedicated civil servant at Camp Lejeune, NC.  She was one of the most respected and well-known seamstress/tailors and known all over for doing with her hands what others would have to do with a sewing machine.  She was a master at her craft and was revered by all who had the privilege to work alongside her.

Brawley held the title of “Mother” at Greater St. Paul United Holy Church in Maple Hill, NC.  A position she took very seriously.  She never missed an opportunity to spread a gem of wisdom and spread knowledge whenever she saw necessary.  For 4 decades, Mother Brawley also served faithfully and diligently as an usher.  She served both as President of the Usher Board on the local and Roanoke District level and trained numerous generations of ushers, many of whom are still serving  today.  She also served as local YPHA President and Carolina District YPHA Secretary.  She was an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Brawley is survived by her Husband William Edward James; Sons: Kenneth Glendel James, Sr., William Arthur James (both of Jacksonville, NC), Edward Fitzgerald James (Vera) - Thomasville, NC; Daughters: Jacqueline Marie James (Jacksonville, NC), Brawley Marie James (Graham, NC); Sisters: Dorsay Ann Mitchell (Jamestown, NC), Sharon Brown James (Jacksonville, NC), Hannah Wright (Romeo) - Fayetteville, NC, Judy Juanita Robinson (Milton) - Brooklyn, NY, and Louise Graves-Murrill (Laurel, MD); God-Daughter: Daviava Pickett Murphy (Brent) - Raleigh, NC; 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved extended family, and special friends.

Celebration of Life Services are entrusted to Akridge Family Funeral Care of Jacksonville. 

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