Sophia Mae James Walden peacefully and quietly departed her earthly life at her residence on May 10, 2010 to be with the Lord.
She was the daughter of the late Peter and Ella Mae James. Sophia was born on May 15, 1930 in Hobgood, N.C. At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined the Ahoskie Baptist Church in Ahoskie, N.C. Some years later, she joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Suffolk, Va. She was active in the senior choir, Missionary Circle and Willing Workers’ Club.
Sophia was also the First Lady of Allen Grove Baptist Church, Franklin, Va. For many years, she was a diligent worker in the Southeastern Missionary Baptist Church Union.
She attended Paul D. Camp Community College, Franklin, Va., where she studied early childhood education. Sophia graduated with her husband from Virginia Union School of Theology, Richmond, Va.
She was employed nearly 22 years with the Franklin City Schools as a teacher assistant. She worked with all grade levels, elementary through high school, during the course of her career. She also taught special needs students. Sophia loved her students, and her students loved her.
She is survived by her devoted and adoring husband of 61 years, Wilbur Lindbergh Walden; her children, Petrina Revell (Andrew), Ronald Walden Sr. (Colleen), Joan Copeland, Perry Walden, Howard Walden (Shirley), and Sharon Walden; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; her loving nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
The homegoing service will be held Friday, May 14, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Suffolk, Va., with Dr. Joseph H. Goode officiating. Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home is in charge of services.