Mrs. Lair L. James

Matriarch Lair James (97), passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025 in Parksley, Virginia. Lair was born to Ernest Motley and Erma Mae “Lacy” Williams on September 6, 1927 in Jackson, North Carolina. She spent her childhood in North Carolina and lived there until her mid 20’s. Lair later relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her young daughter Louise “Sue/Suzy.”

Always a spiritual lady, Lair joined the 59th Street Baptist Church in Philadelphia and became a member of the choir, where she was a member for many, many years. Lair always loved to sing, she continued to use her gift of singing throughout her life. In her later years, she became a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Temperanceville, Virginia.

Lair worked as a receptionist in the main lobby of the Philadelphia Electric Company for many years until she retired. After retirement she relocated and bought her dream home in Parksley, Virginia, where she lived until her final days.

Lair was family oriented, she loved spending time with her loved ones. She was viewed as a mother figure to many. She became affectionately known as “Mommoe” in her early years. She would often open her home to others out of care and compassion. She was known to be straightforward, loving, and funny, but wouldn’t take any foolishness. She also was extremely stylish and stayed sharp at all times. Mommoe also enjoyed being a seamstress and collector. She enjoyed traveling and fishing throughout her life, some called her the “fishing lady.”

Preceding her in death are her mother, Erma Mae “Lacy” Williams, father, Ernest Motley; sister, Bertha Mae “Bert” Harrison; granddaughter, Lair Michelle Mount; and her loving special friend, Mr. John Mitchell.

She will be truly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her only child, Louise “Sue/Suzy” Bey; two grandsons, Antonio Stewart and Orlando Stewart; two great-grandsons, Charles Boyer and Orlando Boyer; and loving cousin, Chauncey Williams. She was more than a mother to them all! She also leaves a host of other family members, who all loved and cherished her dearly.

Gone but will always be with us in spirit and never be forgotten!

Funeral services for Mrs. Lair L. James, also known as “Mommoe” of Parksley,  will be conducted Friday at 1pm from Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Messongo, with Rev. Brenda Peterson officiating. Interment  will be  in the Wharton Cemetery, Parksley.  Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 5 at the funeral home. 

Arrangements by the Cooper & Humbles Funeral Co., Accomac.