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Tonja Lachelle James, 47, of Cleveland, N.C., died on Jan. 12, 2021 in Sumter, S.C.

Born Feb. 19, 1973 in Iredell County, she was the daughter of the late Larry Wayne  James and Phyllis Holland Pruitt. She was educated in the public schools of Iredell. and Mitchell Community College. She was last employed as a home health worker. She was a member of Piney Grove AME Zion Church in Harmony where she served as the first drummer, choir director and founder of the Phyllis Pruitt Memorial Choir.

Survivors: her daughters, Tyreka (Derek) Carter of Statesville; Cha-Tara Carson of Harmony; and Mariah Wilson of Mocksville; ason, Justin Wilson of Mocksville; brothers, Cortez Holland (Rachel), Kenen Myers, Leonard Holland; sisters, Tiffany James, Danika Hill, Natasha Myers; special cousins, Angela Holland, Danette Redmond; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. at Piney Grove AME Zion Church, 145 Guilford Rd., Harmony. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The Rev. John Phifer officiated.

Condolences: nobleandkelsey.com.