In late summer of 1939, Sunday September 10th, God gave us the gift we knew as Gazolla Brent James.  Tucked away in a cozy little spot named Masonville, AR., Gazolla was born to the late Mr. And Mrs. Vernon & Geraldine Brent Sr. The first of six, her early life and beginnings blossomed from Greensburg’s Edition. It was there she attended school, helped raise her sister and brothers and made the ultimate decision to live for Christ. That early decision, along with God’s faithful hand, would later allow her to serve at Christian Union Missionary Baptist Church of Milwaukee, WI and finally at Longley Baptist Church of Little Rock, AR. Gazolla served in the nursing, kitchen and Missionary ministries until her health progressively declined. Yet still, she knew that it was The Holy Spirit that provided her with the gifts of grace, servanthood, and caregiving her entire life. Her zest for people, coupled with her unwavering nurturing spirit, brought endless joy to the lives of all who were blessed to call her by name.

Gazolla, affectionately known as “Gaye” and “Dole”, always knew the world was bigger than Dermott, AR. She dreamed of a life far from what she knew. She’d only need something or someone to share that same sentiment. Handsome, hardworking and humble, she met him at or around 18. After a promising courtship, she married “the proven love of her life”, Mr. Minor James. With this union, Minor brought two beautiful daughters, Wanda and Dinah. Soon after, little miss Vanessa and babygirl Yolanda. 48 years of love, commitment, and faith, Gaye and Minor found delight in allowing God to be the head of the life they lived and the love they shared.

After working and building a wonderful life for their family in Milwaukee, WI., the couple decided to retire and return home to Arkansas. It was here that Gaye’s natural ability to bridge the love of family, her delicious gourmet dishes/cakes, and  straight from the heart caregiving skills, all sprang into action. With brilliance and creativity, she undertook a small business venture without even realizing. Her nurturing and mentoring skills produced an in-home daycare, where she loved and adored what we now know as her “special babies” -Jonson, Madisyn, Tristan, Camryn, Elijah, L.J. and M.J. Gaye knew the importance of nurturing little lives. She would brag about her babies to anybody and anywhere! With a dash of patience, a teaspoon of understanding, and a big cup of love, she created magic! Not just in the kitchen, but in the hearts and lives of anyone who was richly blessed to experience 5204 Wycliffe. Thanksgiving traditions became greater each year. The endless laughs, love, and memories created moments-moments we will forever treasure and cherish. Holding the title of the family’s best cook, her charismatic way of bringing love around her kitchen table can never be replaced or reclaimed. The recipe for the world’s BEST pound cake is now being shared in Heaven.

Her life and legacy will be cherished by her daughters; Wanda Willis of Olive Branch, MS; Dinah(Granville) James-Simms of Milwaukee, WI, Vanessa James and Yolanda James both of Little Rock, AR; three granddaughters; Claree James and  A’Thea Franklin both of Little Rock, AR and A’Jala James of Actworth, GA.; three grandsons; Jarvis(Marquita) James-Anderson of Milwaukee, W.I.; Arthur Willis Jr. and Robert Willis both of Southaven, MS. Two brothers; Vernon(Annie) Brent Jr.  of Little Rock, AR and Hakim Majeed of Richmond, Virginia. One aunt; Charlestene Manson of Los Angeles, CA; Her best friend/telephone buddy and one uncle; Johnny “Brother” Haymon, of Oshkosh, WI.; two sister-n-laws, Gloria Brent of Jefferson City, MO and Anna James of Little Rock, AR. The love of her life who preceded her in death, Minor James. One beloved sister who preceded her in death; Clovesia B. Hutchinson and two loving baby brothers also preceding her in death; Edward Charles and Wallace Major Sr.; three beautiful step-sisters, Era Wilks, Margaret Jones, and Sarah Jordan. She leaves a host of cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, family members and friends who will miss her tremendously.