Margie Louise James

Margie Louise Holley James, 93, affectionately known as "Ma," peacefully transitioned into her eternity Wednesday morning, May 14, 2025, at her home. Born on June 14, 1931, Margie was a lifelong resident of the Matthews-Wrens area and a proud 1949 graduate of Wrens High School. She embraced life with a unique blend of humor, hard work, and a strong spiritual faith that defined her character.

From a young age, Margie carried a servant's heart, always putting the needs of others before her own. She famously lined up her grandsons, ages 10, 8, 6, and 4 at that time, to tell them, “Look me in my eye-holes! I may not always be right, BUT I am never, ever wrong!” This charming wit and infectious laughter brought joy to those around her. Having a positive “can-do” attitude and being very determined, she was known by the family to be able to find a solution for any problem. She was always a stalwart defender of her family and loved them unconditionally.

Growing up, Margie worked on the family farm alongside her brothers and farmhands. It quickly became evident that her tenacity and strength meant she could outwork them all. It was while she was working in the fields, she saw Curtis speaking with her father and determined he would be her husband. They married shortly after her graduation on July 29, 1949, marking the beginning of a devoted partnership that exemplified love and faith.

As a homemaker, Margie supported Curtis in managing their small farm and construction business. She embraced motherhood six years later, crafting their forever home in 1959. In addition to her many roles, she worked seasonally during peanut season at Barrow and Prescott and in pecan season at Atwell Pecan. Later, when their children were in middle school, she contributed to the community by working at the Dairy Queen until her children graduated. At the age of 50, Margie took a new step in her career by becoming a factory worker at Air Balance, where she continued until her retirement at the age of 77. In 1992, she graciously volunteered at her son's funeral home, where she greeted families and continued this loving mission every day until January 2, 2025 when her health took a sharp decline.

Margie's commitment to her family and faith was matched by her active role in serving her Lord and Savior at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, where she participated in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served on the hostess committee. Margie lived her faith daily, illustrating her love for Jesus by sharing His teachings with everyone in her life. She had a humble spirit and thanked God daily for His blessings. Her vibrant prayer life continuously lifted up her family, church community, and the nation.

A great storyteller, Margie possessed a beautiful smile that could light up a room. (She did not like attention but somehow the spot light always shone on her.) Some of her fondest memories include the Holley reunions, gathering around the piano and singing old hymns; her family gathering around and them singing His praises; and enjoying meals—she loved to eat, especially sweets—with family, church family and friends. Her genuine curiosity about the lives of others made her a beloved figure among family and friends alike. Her love extended across all boundaries, embracing people of all races and fostering connections that transcended color. Margie had a particular affection for children, and her love for her family was boundless, encompassing siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Margie is survived by her cherished children, M. Darlene James, Edward C. James (Debbie), and Raymond K. James (Miriam). She adored her grandchildren, who she affectionately referred to as her sweethearts: #1 sweetheart Nathan C. James (Carlee), #2 sweetheart Brandon P. James (Roseann), #3 sweetheart Tyler E. James (Beth), and #4 sweetheart Blake M. James (Sara). Her heart further expanded with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Sulli, Holt, Colton, Cash, Emery, Grady, Marshall, and the twins, Andi Louise and Addison Napier. Margie also leaves behind her beloved brother, Don Holley (Jane), as well as in-laws, Ricky James and Lois James, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and friends.

Preceding Margie in death include her devoted husband, Curtis R. James; her parents, Mary Elizabeth Wheeler Holley and James "Jim" Holley; and her siblings: W.C. "Dub" Holley (Clyde), Audrey Bowles (Fred), Jimmy Holley (Ruby), JoAnn Prescott (E.N.), Joyce Williford (Harry), and Peggy Strickland.

The family will received friends from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Monday evening, May 19, 2025 at Wrens Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Wrens Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM with the Reverends James Barnes, Shane Busby and Paul Moore officiating. Honored to serve as her pallbearers are her nephews—Mark Holley, Mike Bowles, Wylie Prescott, Steve Williford, Wade Williford and Jason Holley. Interment will follow at Mt. Horeb Baptist Church.

The family strongly suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to either Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, earmarked Cemetery Fund, PO Box 565, Wrens GA 30833 or to Wrens Baptist Church, earmarked Greater Things, PO Box 217, Wrens, GA 30833, to further God’s kingdom.

The family wishes to acknowledge and extend their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Gwen Thompson and Catherine Darisaw—she loved you from the moment she met you and appreciated all of the kindness and love you showed her in deed and word—and to the staff of Regency Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. The family is also grateful for the prayers of their church families and the community. Most of all, they are thankful for God’s love, grace and mercy.

Margie took Jesus' hand and left this temporary home to enter into her eternal home in Heaven, leaving a profound impact on those left behind that will never be forgotten. Her legacy of love, hard work, and faith will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.