I, Christine Heyward, was born Friday, January 2, 1959, in Estill, South Carolina. My parents were Lillie Rose Cohen Heyward and Isaac Heyward. I have ten siblings: Ollie Mae Heyward Welch, Dan White, Daniel Heyward, Isaac Heyward, Jr., Carolyn Heyward Taylor Jamison, Lula Bell Heyward Wright, Nathaniel Heyward, Harry Lee Heyward, David Emanuel Heyward, and Debra Priscilla Heyward Scott.
Thomas or James as he preferred was born Friday, August 15, 1958, in Savannah, Georgia to Reverend Thomas and Mrs. Lucille Henry James. He had five sisters: Sarah James Patterson, Juanita James Green, Lottie Mae James Reynolds, Catherine James Clark, and Mae Helen Jeffrey.
Because I co-oped at the Department of Energy, the Administration Office, of Savannah River Site while at South Carolina State College, I finished college in December 1980 instead of May 1980. Once I finished college I went to Dallas, Texas to find a job. I lived with Belle and her family. I received an offer but State refused to send my transcript so the offer was rescinded. I decided to stay in Dallas instead of going home to graduate. Daddy became furious so I flew to Savannah to meet my church family that Saturday since they were invited to Miller’s Temple that Sunday.
James and I met on that Sunday at Miller’s Temple in Savannah, Georgia. The church was celebrating their pastor’s anniversary. James was visiting the church.
Since St. Stephen was the guest choir we were seated on the choir stand and rendered songs throughout the service. During the offering I was asked to sing, “Never Alone” by Tremaine Hawkins. It was good! Also, my niece, Michelle Scott, stayed by me and I held her during most of the service. After the service, as I greeted the saints, James approached me and asked me about our church service. I told him our service was Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 10:30 am. He also asked if Michelle was my daughter and I told him she was my niece. That Tuesday night James was at St. Stephen.
James and I were married on July 9, 1983. We had three boys: Michael in 1984, Timothy in 1986, and Joshua in 1990. I received my MBA degree May 1990 from Savannah State College.
In August 1991, James, as an assistant manager, at Walmart was sent with other assistant managers to Roanoke, Virginia to set up a new store. His first weekend, he came home and we went to a Christian bookstore. James bought several bibles. The second weekend, I drove to Virginia and spent the weekend with him. Thursday afternoon during the third week James called and said he wasn’t feeling well and was coming home the next day. I offered to drive up but he said he will drive the truck home. I worked Friday and expected a call. None came. After work, I went home and waited for a call. I received a call from an associate and was told James was at Lexington Hospital in Columbia, SC. He was told to go to a Walmart if he needed help. I called James’ sister, Catherine, and told her what \was going on and to see if they wanted to go with me to Columbia, SC. Cat called me back and said she, Sarah, and Juanita, who is a nurse, would go the next day, Saturday. Joshua was already in Hampton with Tina and Kim so I dropped Michael and Timothy off at momma’s house and drove to Columbia.
When I got to the hospital, James was still in the emergency room. The doctor was with him and told me they would put him in a room as soon as one was available. While a room was being prepared, Daniel and Gloria came to the hospital and sat with me. Gloria decided to go back to the hotel but Daniel stayed until he could talk to James. While Daniel and I were talking to James I noticed the bag attached to him was turning red. I called Daniel to me and asked if that was normal. He told me to get the nurse. When the nurse came in, she immediately told us to leave the room. James started screaming in pain. He was rushed to ICU. Daniel went back to his hotel room.
I was alone. Late that night, the nurse told me it wasn’t looking good. I called home and James’s sister, Cat, and told her to tell the family and they need to come. Again, I was told they will come in the morning. I then called my best friend at the time, Carol Brown, and asked her to contact Evangelist Odessa Williams and put us on three way. I told her what was going on and asked her to pray. She did. I pointed out to her that she did not say James would be okay. Evangelist Williams hesitated and then said, “you are going to be alright Sister James”22. I pondered that in my heart.
James was 32 years old. He died 5 days before his 33rd birthday. I was 32 years old. Michael was six years old. Timothy was four years old. Joshua was 15 months old.
IsaacandLillieHeyward 