Eunice Vandella Lake James

CAMBRIDGE - Eunice Vandella Lake James, 81, passed away, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at the Chesapeake Woods Center, Cambridge. Born on Jan. 29, 1928, in Bucktown, she was the daughter of the late Monroe Lake Sr. and Leomia Dennard Lake. She was the youngest of ten siblings and a beloved nephew, Benito, who was raised in the home as a brother. Being reared in a Christian home, Eunice's religious training and guidance were started early in life at Bazzel Methodist Episcopal Church. The religious training, respect for her fellowman, and desire to do what she could to help others stayed with her during her entire life. She received her early education in the public schools of Dorchester County and graduated from F.D. St. Clair High School in 1945. Upon graduation, Eunice entered Maryland State Teachers College in Bowie, now known as Bowie University, and earned a BS degree in education. Eunice taught at Wayside Elementary School in Bel Alton. After 30 plus years of service, she retired from the Charles County Board of Education School System. As an educator she was a member of the Charles County Teachers Association and the Charles County Retired Educators Association. She was also a member of both the Dorchester County School Bus Contractors Association and the Maryland School Bus Contractors Association. Eunice was an active member of the Bowie Forty-Niners Club, named for the year in which she and her classmates graduated. While the wife of Edward James, Eunice gave birth to one son, Attorney Edward M. James Sr. In addition to her parents, Mrs. James was preceded in death by seven siblings, Oliver, Monroe, Fred, Hattie, Lena Pinder, Dr. Virgie Camper, and Florence Butler. Eunice's memory will be cherished by her son and his wife, Constance; two grandsons, Edward James Jr., and Rashad; two sisters, Victoria L. Waters and Millie Lake; one nephew, Benito D. Lake Sr. (Barbara); one great-niece, Bronte Lake; and one great-nephew, Benito D. Lake Jr. Family hour will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the funeral at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Boardley Funeral Home, 812 Hubbard St., Cambridge. Interment will take place at Bazzel Cemetery, Bucktown, at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 9. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Boardley Funeral Home.