James Somerville

James Lewis Somerville, Sr. was born on November 18, 1945, in Greensboro, Alabama to Sophronia Somerville, and was reared by his grandparents Martha and Norman Somerville.

James graduated from Hale County Training School in 1965. After working various jobs in his hometown and with the goal of improving his quality of life, he made the migration north, along with several other family members to Cleveland, Ohio.

Having confessed his life to Christ at an early age, after settling in Cleveland, he attended Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. This decision helped to establish the Christian foundation of his family for years to come.

He met the love of his life, Yvonne J. Weakley in 1967 and they married on May 10, 1969. After working various jobs, his technical skills and love for automobiles led him to the Ford Motor Company in Brookpark, Ohio. While at Ford, James received recognition for his dedication and exceptional work ethic. After a thirty-seven-year career, James retired from the Ford Motor Company in 2006. This was an accomplishment of which he was immensely proud.

James believed in family values, establishing stability, hard work, and education. He also believed in enjoying life with family and friends. This included trips to Toledo, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan and returning home to Greensboro for his high school class reunions. He prided himself on always being well-dressed with a handkerchief in his pocket, having the cleanest Ford on the block, a fine home, and making sure his family was thoroughly provided for.

A man of structure and schedule: cool, calm, fun to be around, and speaking in his familiar fast southern drawl, family members affectionately referred to James as 'Noot' and 'Rollover.'

Married to Yvonne for over 54 years, their union welcomed four beautiful children: James 'Hon' Jr. (Jaquetta), Jarita 'Lisa', Nigel (Kellie), and Nile (Morenika). He was proud that his children graduated college or military training, pursued successful careers, and started families of their own. In addition, Yvonne and James share eight grandchildren: Maisha, Kennedi, Nigel Langston, Caleb, Carter, Sloan, Samuel and Solomon and bonus granddaughters, Janiya and Scarlette.

James was called to eternal rest on July 20, 2023. He leaves to honor his memories his wife, children, grandchildren, four sisters-in-law, Vivian Nassar (Ivan), Barbara Jean Weakley, Caroline Muhammad and Irene Goines (Virgil); brother-in-law, John (Valerie); dear aunts, Martha Collins, Ella Ruth Somerville, and Jettie Somerville; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

May he rest in peace and power with our Heavenly Father and among family members that proceeded him from labor to reward. He will be missed.

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