Doreen Smith James

Doreen Smith James, 68, of Lakeland passed away Monday morning, March 9, 2026, at Riverbrook Health Care after an extended illness. She was born in Homerville to the late Robert Glenn “Ray” Smith and Willie Esther Davis Smith. Mrs. James was a 1974 graduate of Clinch County High School. She lived in Lakeland for the last forty-two years. Before moving to Lakeland, she worked for Clinch County Elementary School, and then in Lakeland worked at home helping to raise many children and later worked at Lanier Elementary School in the Lunchroom. She loved her nieces and nephews as her own children, taking trips with her brother and recently went to the Ark. Mrs. James especially loved fishing with her husband at the swamp and river. She also loved to crochet and was a member of New Pine Grove Church.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by one brother, Little Buddy; father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Nell James; sister-in-law, Susan Smith.

Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Jeff James of Lakeland; one brother, W.G. Smith of Homerville; nephew, Christopher and Tracie Smith of Homerville; niece, Stephanie and Demory Godwin of Homerville; great nieces and nephews, Rebekah and Travis Horton, Walker Godwin, Camlynn Godwin, Blaine Pritchett, Xander Godwin, and Marann Pritchett; great-great niece, Kinsley Horton; brother-in-law, Terry James of Lakeland.

A funeral service will be held Thursday morning, March 12, 2026, at 11 am at New Vision Church of God with Rev. Don Dixon, Rev. W.G. Smith, and Rev. Jerry Baldree officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Forest Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, March 11, 2026, from 6 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Pine Grove Church, c/o Sharon Lee, 7351 Jim Mixon Rd., Manor, GA, 31550.

Any food should be carried to New Vision Church of God Thursday by 11. 

Sympathy may be expressed online at www.roundtreefuneralhome.net.

Roundtree Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.