Zelma James was born July 26, 1932 in Clarence, LA to the late Jessie James and Nettie Turner. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior at an early age. She was a member of Greenville Baptist Church in Clarence, LA.

Zelma resided in Campti, LA for over 60 years where she also worked in the local high school for over 32 years.

On August 30, 2024 at The Courtyard of Natchitoches, Zelma peacefully went to be with her Eternal Father. She is preceded in death by her brothers J.B. James, Gilbert James, Elmo Carter and Edward Hamilton, her sisters, Martha Terrell, Elma Carter, Daisy Phillip, and Rose Hamilton, one son-in-law Jimmy Pratt, one grandson Michael Prelow and one bonus daughter Zettie Prelow-Bell.

She leaves to cherish her memories of 2 sons: Maurice Prelow (Ruby) of Kansas City, MO, Wendell James of Lawton, OK.; 2 daughters: Leverda Telsee (Sefty) of Campti, LA, Janetta Pratt of Jackson, MS. Siblings: Ronald Hamilton (Letha), Nancy Hamilton, Lola Hamilton all of Natchitoches, LA, Marie Sherman (Lionel) of Winnfield, LA, and Sarah Hamilton of Katy, TX. Bonus children: Daisy Bush (Alvin), Howard Prelow from Campti, LA.; Donnia Rainey (Tony), Jackie Carroll, Chester Prelow, of Natchitoches, LA . 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.