Lillie James
Lillie Anna James 1878-1957
Lillie Anna James was a remarkable woman. Born in Alabama in 1878, she raised as many as 17 children with her husband Daniel, although the US Census only contains mention of nine. One of her children grew up to be the first black four star general in the US Army Air Corps. The accomplishments of Daniel Jr., her famous son, may be what she is often remembered for, but she made great strides forward for the black community here in Pensacola long before her son took to the sky.
Not content with the dismal state of education for African Americans in the early 1900s, Lillie opened a school in her house, charging little or nothing for the neighborhood kids. This school produced some of the first black lawyers and doctors in the area, largely thanks to Lillie's support and insistence on perseverance in the face of racism and adversity. She also emphasized patriotism, piety, and self-worth. Her school had a tremendously positive impact on the African American community of Pensacola.
Lillie died in 1957, and is buried in a granite single vault. The headstone shows a border that includes carvings of ivy in the upper corners. Flowers generally represent life and beauty, but ivy specifically symbolizes ôabiding memory.ö Both the inscription and the symbolism of the decoration indicate the presence of a loving family left behind. She is buried near her husband and her daughter Tony.
Researched and written by Richard Adams, University of West Florida Public History program.
