Dorothy James

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Dorothy Evelyn James, 75, of Sikeston died Friday, April 29, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born May 17, 1929, in Hickman, Ky., daughter of Walter Fisher and Alzadie Haglar Moore. She married Richard James March 11, 1964.

James received a bachelor of science degree in vocational home economics from Kentucky State University in 1952. She also attended the University of Wisconsin, Tuskegee Institute and Southeast Missouri State University.

She began teaching at Lincoln Junior High School in 1956, and later became the first African-American to teach in the Sikeston School District.

James was a member of Missouri State Teachers Association, charter member of Beta Gamma, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and member of West End Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Richard James II of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Joyce Burrell of Sikeston; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at West End Baptist Church from 10 a.m. to service time Friday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Otis Hawes Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.