James Elmo Garris

The Life and Legacy of James Garris....

     Like a shadow in the moonlight, like the whisper of the seas,

Like the echoes of a melody  just beyond our reach

 In the shadow of our sorrow, past the whisper of goodbye,

Love shines through eternity, a heartbeat from our eye.

     With humbled submission to the will of God, we pause to honor the life of James Elmo Garris. who was born on Tuesday, March 11, 1952, to the parentage of the late Hugh Garris, Sr. and Luvenia Garris. 

     While growing up in rural Boykins, Virginia, James was educated in the Southampton County Schools. Being reared in a Christian home, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in his life, while nurturing his spiritual gifts at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Margarettsville, North Carolina. 

     Seeing the need to help provide for his family, James spent much of his employment working on farms. His family was important to him and he loved them dearly. You could often find him spending time with his kids, grandkids, family and friends.

     Oftentimes, if James was not working, you could find him out on the water fishing or somewhere cooking - he loved to eat. When he was not in a natural environment, you could find him kicked back,  watching his favorite football team -  The Pittsburgh Steelers!  He was a die hard Steelers' fan. You could catch him, wearing his gear, during the basketball and football seasons. He enjoyed watching the games. James’ smile was infectious  and you would often find him smiling and joking with loved ones. If he didn’t make you laugh when he was in your presence then something was definitely wrong.

     James loved people and he never met a stranger. He was a people’s person, loved a good laugh and would do anything he could to help those in need. His kindness, willingness to help others, and loyal friendship will be greatly missed and forever remembered by those whose lives he touched in so many special ways.

     You never said I'm leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. A million times we needed you, A million times we’ve cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly. In death we love you still. In our hearts we hold a place that only you can fill. It broke our heart to lose you, But you didn't go alone, As part of us went with you, The day God took you home. On Tuesday, August 4, 2020 while in the care of Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, James entered into eternal rest. He is now reunited with those who preceded him in death; his parents; first wife, Mary Shoulders Garris, siblings, Irma Lee Garris; Hugh Garris, Jr., Josie Mae Suiter Jordan and Mary Hendricks; grandsons, Devontá Shoulders and Tre’shun Freeman; brother-in-law, Robert L. Higgs, Jr..

       Though the clouds may hang over, there will be a brighter day, in that land that they call heaven, God shall wipe all tears away. We, who are bound by treasured ties of affection and love, as we pass him to God’s keeping are his: wife, Lashonda Garris; children, Patricia Shoulders, Thomas Shoulders (Latoya), Queen Garris Dew (Dennis), Alexander Garris (Pamela), Teresa Boykins Porter (William) and Timothy Boykins; step-children, Tre’von Higgs and Lakeria Higgs; grandchildren, Jewuan Williams (TaNekia), Patrice Williams, Alexus Shoulders, Tevon Shoulders, Xavier Shoulders, Qua’Neisha Boykins, James Robertson, Kamilya Robertson, Alin Gatling, Deontre Gatling, Deshauna Garris, Nathaniel Boykins (Quanelta), Jerisa Boykins, Wilmisha Porter, Monuche Porter, Jada Myrick, Jousha Myrick, Tre’Van Boykin, Quaneisha Murphy, Timothy Perry, Sasha Boykins and Trevon Moore; siblings, Geraldine Wilkerson, Regal Garris, Margaret Copeland, Dollie Hargrove and Richard Daye (Barbie Jo); mother-in-law, Carolyn R. Higgs; sisters-in-law, Helen Higgs, Mageline Jackson, Gloria Higgs, Debra Rivers, Brandy Caudle (Lamar), Tierra Crowell (Tony) and Sabrina Harvey; brother-in-law, Richard N. Higgs; a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The number of attendees at the funeral service is will be limited to

immediate family and close relatives.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Garris's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. James Elmo Garris.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Elmo Garris, please visit our floral store.