Irene Elizabeth James, age 66, of Petersburg, VA, entered into eternal rest on Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, in the comfort of her home. She was born August 20, 1955 to the late Barbara Briggs and Charles Russell James but was raised by her stepfather James Briggs, Sr.

Irene was a product of the Petersburg Public School System, graduating from Petersburg High School in the Class of 1974. After high school, Irene attended cosmetology school and became a licensed Cosmetologist. She became well known in the early 80’s for her skilled talent in Cosmetology. She was known as the Jheri Curl Queen. Not only did she own and operate her own hair salon in Petersburg and Hopewell, but she chose to pour into other hairstylists by teaching Cosmetology at her own school, Irene’s HairStyling Institute! 

When she gave up her passion for hair, Irene spent time raising her daughters and quickly learned that she had a passion for children. She once again took on an entrepreneurial journey when she opened Irene’s Garden of Care- providing childcare to many working families. She retired from childcare services in 2017. 

Irene was a faithful member of Bloomfield Baptist Church. However, she often attended area churches - Metropolitan Baptist Church and Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of God In Christ. 

Irene loved to cook and dance. She was definitely the life of any party. Irene was such a sweet and kind hearted person who opened her doors to so many people in need. Her caring spirit allowed her to commit many selfless acts. She was truly a blessing and definitely fulfilled her purpose here on earth. We will forever cherish the memories that she left behind. 

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her sisters, Michelle Briggs and Barbara Jean McCray.

Irene leaves behind four daughters, Richelle Diggs (Corey) of Petersburg, VA, Iteisha James-Crenshaw (Titoni) of Prince George, VA, T’kela James of Petersburg, VA, and Lachelle James of Durham, NC; honorary daughter, Tamika Sykes of Chesterfield, VA; one sister, Joanne Briggs of Petersburg, VA; two brothers, James Briggs (Kim) of Maryland, and Theodore Batts (Annette) of Dinwiddie, VA; twelve grandchildren, Roniqua Wallace (Charles), Shydaren James, Kamari James, Kaden Crenshaw, Kamille Crenshaw, Prince Rose, Novah Anderson, Jerome McCray, Jr., Shayla McLaughlin, Kayla McLaughlin, Shamika Saunders, and Jessica Saunders; one great grandchild, Unique McLaughlin; two aunts, Yvonne Briggs and Goldie Mason; two nieces, Jameelah Scott (Ben) and Candace Briggs; two nephews, Linwood Briggs and Dyrickus Hayes; one very special friend, Wendell Jones; devoted friends, Regina Deloatch, Sarah Jones, and Michelle Bullock; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends whom she loved.

A public viewing for Ms. Irene E. James will be on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia.

Celebration of life service for Ms. Irene E. James will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:00p.m. at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Ave., Petersburg, Virginia 23803. Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, Senior Pastor; Rev. Kim White, Pastor of Bloomfield Baptist Church, Wilsons, Virginia, Officiating, Ms. Shydaren James, Eulogy. Interment to follow in the Dinwiddie Memorial Park 7324 Church Rd. Petersburg VA 23803.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at the residence, 844 Prince Ave. Petersburg Virginia on the day of the service at 11:45am.

Service may be viewed by Live Stream /https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director. (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”.

Masks are required at all services. All attendees are also asked to follow social distancing guidelines.