Myrna Sue James

Myrna Sue James was born in Austin, Texas, on October 15, 1938, to Minnie and James Follis. She passed away on July 23, 2026. When she was 18 months old, her baby brother Jimmy was born. In 1940, the family moved to Caddo Lake State Park in Karnak, Texas, where her father worked for the state park. Two years later, in 1942, they moved to Grand Prairie, Texas, after her father took a job with North American. In 1946, Myrna's baby sister Dana was born, completing the family. Myrna attended Austin Elementary and Lee Junior High before graduating from Grand Prairie High School in 1956, where she ranked 13th in her class. She went on to attend Arlington State College for a year, majoring in Commercial Art. It was at Westridge Baptist Church that Myrna met Tal, the love of her life. The two were married on March 20, 1958, beginning a marriage that would last a lifetime. Myrna's greatest loves were God, Jesus, her family, her church, her friends, music, and art. A gifted painter, she gave her artwork away freely to anyone who asked, and the joy her paintings brought to others became one of the great legacies of her life. She worked for Wausau Insurance Company for 17 years and State Farm Insurance for 12 years, retiring in 1997. In 1993, Myrna and Tal joined First Baptist Grand Prairie, where they remained members for the rest of her life. She sang in the church choir and served faithfully in various ministries for many years. Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, James and Minnie Follis; her granddaughter, Lori Hill; and her great-grandson, Kenneth Landen Clark. She is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years, Talmage "Tal" James; her daughter, Kari Styne and husband Eric; her son, David James; her grandchildren, Jymi Hill, Kylie Hill, Randall Hill, Austin James, Lynsie Kelly, Eric Styne, and Garrett Styne; seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Jimmy Follis; her sister, Dana Labbe; and many loving cousins and dear friends. Myrna will be deeply missed by all who loved her, and her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now home with her Savior for all eternity.

Myrna Sue James

October 15, 1938 - July 23, 2026