Obituary for Alonia James Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43. Alonia LaForest James was born in Effingham, SC to the late Curley and Dorothy Johnson James. Alonia was baptized at an early age at Savannah Grove Baptist and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She began her Christian journey attending Sunday school, singing in the church choir, and bible school. She graduated from Wilson High School class of 1969. She worked for Union Carbide Corporation while in Florence SC. She moved to Washington, DC, and was employed with Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. She retired from Kaiser Permanente after 25 years of service in accounting. Alonia joined Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. under the watch care and remained there until her passing. Although Alonia didn’t have any children, she adopted all of her nieces and nephews. She loved to dance and travel. She lived life to the fullest. Alonia leaves to mourn her passing her two brothers, Nelson T. (Nancy) James and Heyward James both of Effingham, SC; One sister, Modestine J. (Alray) Samuel of Florence, SC; one uncle, Harvey Willoughby of Philadelphia, PA; Three Aunts, Louise Johnson and Fannie Timmons, both of Florence, SC and Ruby Johnson of Philadelphia, PA. Along with a host of nephews, nieces extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Curley James of Effingham, SC; one brother, Samuel Lee James of Philadelphia, PA; Two sisters, Gwendolyn James (John) of Florence, SC, and Octavia James Sawyer of Effingham, SC. Arrangements are entrusted to Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc. Memorials and Condolences can be mailed to Ideal Funetral Parlor, Inc., 106 E. Darlington Street, Florence, SC 29506 or you may visit www.idealfuneral.com to leave a message for the family. Masks are required.