Anna Doris James

Anna Doris James, born on August 8, 1927, in White Castle, Louisiana, to Rev. James James and Courtney Scott James, peacefully transitioned from this life on February 14, 2025, at the age of 97, at her home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Surrounded by loved ones, Anna’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary journey filled with faith, resilience, and love.

Anna’s path took her far from her Louisiana roots. In the 1950s, she moved to Los Angeles, California, to live with her sister, Martha James. There, she pursued her dreams and graduated from Dorsey Nursing School, beginning a successful career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Among the many patients she cared for, Anna proudly counted the iconic Michael Jackson as one of them, when he was hospitalized for a tonsillectomy as a young boy. Her medical career, though remarkable, was only one part of her rich and multifaceted life.

Anna was married to Emile Earl Ellsworth, and together they had one son, Cyril Ellsworth, whom Anna fiercely protected and loved. She was a devoted mother, willing to fight for her son’s well-being. On one memorable occasion, when she learned Cyril was being bullied, Anna took matters into her own hands, teaching him how to stand up for himself in a way that only she could. While her actions earned her a warning from the authorities, it was a lesson in courage and resilience that Cyril would carry with him forever. It’s no surprise that this strong, determined temperament was inherited from her father.

Anna retired and returned to New Orleans in 1992, where she enjoyed her later years surrounded by family and friends. A woman of profound faith, Anna studied at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she actively participated in God’s work. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she continued to live with the same resilience and determination that had marked her youth.

Travel was one of Anna’s great joys. She was fortunate to visit places such as Paris, Germany, Hawaii, the Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, alongside dear friends who shared in her adventures. Anna also had a deep love for the arts, and she was particularly proud of her great-great-niece, Imani Gaudin-County, a dance artist whom she affectionately referred to as her daughter. The bond they shared was a special one, filled with love and mutual admiration.

A great storyteller, Anna had a knack for capturing the attention of anyone who was lucky enough to hear her tales. But she was also a woman of mystery, carrying some secrets with her to the grave, often saying, “I’m too old to stir anything up now!” Even in her final years, she maintained a sense of humor and grace that endeared her to all.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Alice Jackson, Martha James, Mary Spain, Rita Smith, Rosalie Kinsey, Grace Howard, Louise Julien, and James "Son" James. Although she lived a long life, Anna’s passing marks the departure of the final matriarch of the James family. She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted son, Cyril, who retired to be at her side, care for her and nurture her at home, giving her superior services, tirelessly, 24/7, nieces, nephews and cousins. Anna leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and laughter that will never be forgotten. She was a one of a kind woman who lived life fully, with unwavering faith, and with a heart full of love for her family and friends. Being a woman of a few words, she stated that she lived how she wanted to live, did everything she wanted to do, went everywhere she wanted to go and ate everything she wanted to eat. She imparted these words for us to hold on to…live your life and enjoy yourself.

Godspeed Mother, Aunt Anna, Anna Doris James…until we meet again.