Rachel B. James

Funeral Mass for Rachel James of Mansura will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church with Fr. Blake Deshautelle officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Paul Cemetery in Mansura. Visitation will begin at 8:00am until 10:45am on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Escude Funeral Home in Mansura. 

Rachel James, 96, beloved Mother, was called to her eternal resting place on January 13, 2024. She entered this world on January 8, 1928, in Mansura, LA, born to Horace and Florence Boston. She was preceded in death by her parents Horace and Florence Boston, sisters, Bernice Francisco and Magdlen Francisco and brothers, Evan Boston and Oray Boston.

She was united in marriage to Matthew L. James of Mansura who preceded her in death and from that union, came 7 children. 

In her earlier years, she attended the local schools in Mansura and Marksville. Through her curiosity and under the tutelage of her mom, Florence, she developed a passion for sewing and became an expert seamstress. She could make anything. As a seamstress, she had more time to spend with her seven children.

She was a true matriarch who imparted wisdom and guidance to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends alike. Her home was frequently the gathering place for early morning coffee, coffee after Sunday Mass, or Midnight Mass. Her doors and arms were always open and welcoming except during one of her favorite soap operas. Rachel’s ability to interact with the church community made it easy for her to assume a role working in the parish rectory. During her tenure working for the parish, she touched the lives of many before her retirement in 1994. Rachel also shared her love for her community through her work with Green Thumb by working at Mansura Middle School part-time until her full retirement.

Rachel was a lifelong and dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. She insisted that all seven of her children attend Our Lady of Prompt Succor School or Cardinal Cushing School. She was an active member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.

She leaves to cherish her memories are her sister, Marcella Turner; her seven children: daughters- Agatha Jones (Sammie), Elaine Bishop (Curlee), and Lydia Harris (Mark); sons- Gregory James (Pat), Matthew James, Jr. (Lynne), Julian James (Paulette), and Bartel James (Kathy). She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Julia Boston; and special friend, Priscilla Clark; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

We thank God for blessing us with the gift of Rachel for 96 wonderful years!

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home of Mansura (6608 Porterie St. Mansura, LA 71350).