Reater Elese James Warren

Reater Elese James Warren was born on February 13, 1954, in Rose Hill, North Carolina. She passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025, surrounded by her family at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Lee West James Sr.; her mother, Thelma Adell Brown West James; her brother, Lendell Davis James; and her sister, Darlene Yvette James Webster. She is survived by her brother, Walter L. James Jr.; her sister, Arnetta Delois James Herring; and her sister, M.A.Rayshelia James.

Her children include DaMori Belanger, Marshelia DaRea McNair, Matthew ReElle Walker (Kimberly Jessenia), and Mark ReVelle Walker. She cherished her four grandchildren: Elise Lisette Holmes (Belanger), Amaury Mason Brockington (Marshelia), Luke Mateo Walker (Matthew), and Melanie Lucia Walker (Matthew). Additionally, Reater was blessed to have many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Reater was a kind-hearted lady. Gentle, soft-spoken, and selfless. She loved working in her yard and was skilled in various trades. She regularly attended Habitat for Humanity workshops and trade classes at James Sprunt Community College. She was also a frequent blood donor for the American Red Cross. Reater extended her love and care to everyone around her and had a passion for music and the outdoors. She enjoyed activities such as playing her dulcimer along with other musical instruments. Other hobbies included gardening, lawn care, canoeing, golfing, arts and crafts, shooting, kayaking, skiing, and snorkeling. Additionally, she loved raising pet chickens and collecting elephant art.

Reater was an incredibly hard worker and exhibited great toughness. She practiced self-reliance and was always willing to help others, never seeking recognition for her efforts. Humble and vibrant, she possessed strong character, great wisdom, numerous skills, and loving compassion. Reater devoted her life to serving her family, church, and community. Generous in spirit, she offered a helping hand, a listening ear, and encouraging words. She gave humbly to those in need.

Reater earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Fayetteville State University and did graduate studies at Iowa State University. She served as an elementary school educator at Laurinburg Elementary, Maple Hill Elementary, Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary, Wallace Elementary, and Charity Middle School. Additionally, she was employed continuously in education for over 48 years in various roles, including primary bus driver, substitute bus driver, activity bus driver, substitute teacher, summer school teacher, tutor, and school volunteer.

Reater was a long-time member of Adoram Baptist Church of Wallace, where she held several positions, including Sunday school teacher, church bus driver, treasurer, youth ministry leader, youth and senior choir member, and Vacation Bible School Principal. She also tutored in the after-school tutorial program at Adoram. In addition, she attended First Baptist Church of Wallace and participated in a choir, worship team, and volunteer member.

She was actively involved in numerous organizations and held various positions, including:

Lifetime Member of the Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association, Inc., Ms. Alumni
Member of the Duplin County Chapter of the FSU Alumni Association
Coordinator for the Duplin County Little Miss FSU Pageant
Lifetime member of the NAACP
Local leader for the Girl Scouts of America
Leader of the North Carolina 4-H Extension Club
Softball coach for Rose Hill Parks and Recreation
Volunteer for the Eastern Baptist Association, Rose Hill, NC
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
Member of the National Education Association
Member of the North Carolina Retired School Personnel -Duplin County Chapter Leader
Member of Mayflower Chapter #127, Order of the Eastern Star
Member of Mizpah Court No. 79, Daughters, Illustrious Commandress of the Daughters at the time of passing
Member of the Duplin County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.