Lola Mae (Dye) James, age 97, of Sissonville, West Virginia, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She was born in Clendenin, WV on October 11, 1928 to Ed and Mamie Dye. Lola lived a long, faith-filled life defined by love, devotion, and quiet strength. She was a cherished wife, a devoted mother, a beloved grandmother known lovingly as “MaMa,” and a proud great-grandmother whose heart overflowed with joy for her family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, Robert C. “Bob” James (PaPa); her precious grandson, Christopher Todd Patterson; her son-in-law, Jon Chandler; as well as her parents and eight siblings, whom she now joins in her heavenly home. Oh what a celebration!
Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, who were the pride of her life: Victoria (Archie) Johnston of Branson, Missouri; Diana (Jim) Patterson of Midwest City, Oklahoma; and Stephanie Chandler (Brian, fiancé) of Walton, West Virginia. Her legacy continues through her four granddaughters—Kimberly (Barry) Beckett, Nicole (Daniel) Boster, Carly (Wade) Johns, and Haley Chapman—each carrying forward her grace, kindness, and unwavering faith. She was blessed beyond measure to be “MaMa” to them and her great-grandchildren: her great-granddaughter, Lily Boster, and great-grandsons Chase Patterson, Tate Johns, Jace Johns, and Bodhi Thomas, all of whom brought such joy to her later years.
Lola was the oldest surviving charter member of the First Baptist Church of Clendenin, where she faithfully served as a deaconess and was deeply loved by her church family. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her actions and shaping her character. She lived her beliefs through service, compassion, and an unwavering trust in God.
Clendenin was her cherished home for most of her life—a place filled with memories, laughter, and love until the devastating floods of 2016 claimed her home. Even through loss, she remained steadfast in faith and resilience. She later made her home in Sissonville with her youngest daughter, where she continued to be surrounded by family, love, and care.
Above all else, Lola’s life was a reflection of her deep love for the Lord and her family. She lived humbly, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and unconditional love that will be treasured for generations to come.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Clendenin from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with funeral services immediately following. Services will be officiated by Pastor Jim Adkins and Pastor Dan Forwood. Lola will be laid to rest at Clendenin Memorial Gardens, Clendenin, West Virginia, beside her beloved husband of 59 years.
Pallbearers honored to carry Lola to her final resting place are Jim Patterson, Archie Johnston, Brian Tignor, Bobby Butterworth, Barry Beckett, and Daniel Boster, men who loved her and whom she dearly loved in return.
Serving as honorary pallbearer is Dudley Pettry, whose support held special meaning to the family. Stump-Matics Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared with the James family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
