Mrs. Barbara Christine Smyre James, 80, of 406 South Greenbriar Road, Statesville, N.C., was born in Iredell County on February 8, 1944, and was the daughter of the late Fred and Pinkney Rhinehardt Smyre. She departed this life on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House.

She was married to Andre Maurice “Shorty” Pettis, who survives. She was a 1962 graduate of Unity High School and at one time was employed by J P Stevens. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amanda Caldwell Carpenter; brothers, Charlie Smyre, John Smyre, and Franklin Smyre; and sisters, Mary Smith and Dorothy Dalton.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her life her husband, Andre Maurice Pettis of the home; her daughters, Regina (Michael) Avery of Statesville, Adrian Caldwell of the home and Kaychele (Chad) McClelland of Statesville; her mother-in-law, Georgann Pettis of Statesville; her sister, Edna Steele of Harmony; her sister-in-law, Desiree Pettis of Troutman; her grandchildren, David (Stacy) Redmond, Erica Redmond, Candace Redmond, Tedrian James, Chad McClelland Jr., Chelsee McClelland, and Cameron McClelland; great grandchildren, Ja’Micah Wilson, Mykerah Wilson, Laveah Redmond, David Jr Redmond, Kimmarra Redmond, Alexis Morrison, JaQauvis Farmer, Devon Caldwell Carpenter, Jet McQueen, Cody McQueen, and Cali Ann Harris; step grandchildren, Nikarrius Luckey, Imari Avery and Brittany Franklin; step great grandchildren, Mar’Kaylan Smith, Anique Miller, Saniyah Faulk, Khaidynce Franklin, Essex Avery, Caimiri Thornton, Carina Thorton and A’leiyna Thornton; her goddaughter and special niece, Tina (Michael) Murphy of Statesville; her god grandchild, Anaria Rucker; special niece, Elouise Parks of Statesville; special friend of the family, Larry Caldwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, family and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 2 p.m. at The Mary B. Bigham Memorial Chapel of Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home in Statesville. Mrs. James will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home where members of the family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Reverend Tyrone Redmont will officiate, and burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. James at www.rutledeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the James Family.