Elaine Mills James

Peggy Elaine Mills Bass James September 26, 1942 * May 10, 2012 Peggy Elaine Mills Bass James, age 69 of Live Oak, FL passed away Thursday, May 10, 2012 at her home. She was a native and life long resident of Live Oak having graduated from Suwannee High School in 1960. Elaine spent all of her life in Live Oak and worked for Dr. Hugo Sotolongo before she retired. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had a wonderful sense of spontaneity that she shared often with her nieces much to their mother’s dismay. She took them on many adventures to the Suwannee River State Park, the springs and most often to the Root Beer Stand for root beer floats. Many arguments were had about who sat with Aunt ‘Laine in the front seat for the drive in movie, breaking the seat (Denise did that). There are too many stories to recall in this space about getting her yellow 1967 Mustang stuck in the mud and her and the girls trying to get it out. With every adventure, one thing was sure, Aunt ‘Laine had to get the girls home before their Mother got home from work. She was committed to her church serving as relief society president for several years. She also hosted the numerous young missionaries of the church from around the country as they did their tour of duty in Live Oak. Many Elders were fed around Elaine’s table. They were very much part of her family and were often included in many family cookouts and holidays. Elaine met and married Jesse Alawathia James, Jr. in 1996. Their hairdresser played matchmaker, knowing their mutual love for the outdoors. More adventures ensued with camping in Key West and travels around the South East. She was preceeded in death by her parents, Walter and Orene Mills, one infant brother and her older brother James Robert “Bob” Mills, her first husband Duncan Edward “Junior” Bass, Jr. was killed in action during Vietnam War. She is survived by her husband Jesse James, sister Danny Mills Bowden, brother in-law Wallace Bowden all of Live Oak; sister in-law Sally Mills, Merritt Island. Nieces Deborah Mills Benson, Merritt Island, Carol Denise Bowden Jordan, Lake City and Barbara Elaine Bowden Foley of Tallahassee, three stepsons, Joseph James and Jeffery James both of Delaware; Brian James of Texas; three step granddaughters, Danielle James, Celestial James and Bethany James. Visitation will be held from one hour prior to the services from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the church. Funeral services will be held, 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 12, 2012 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Frank Allen officiating. Interment will follow in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Easter Seals, 2002 NW 36th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605.