Bishop James Hargwood

CAHABA MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL: Announce with deepest sympathy the passing of Mr. James Hargwood on Saturday, December 21, 2024

JAMES' LIFE STORY: James Hargwood was born on December 11, 1931, to the late John and Elsie (Booker) Hargwood in Farmville, Prince Edward County, VA. James grew up in Farmville, Virginia and was the fourth youngest of nine children, Columbus, John Melvin, Rosa, Anne, Bernice Lee, Juanita, and twins Clyde and Clarence. James departed this life peacefully on December 21, 2024, at the Bibb County Medical Center. Little is known about James childhood, however many black children in Farmville, Virginia attended the Lucy F. Simms School, which was an all-Black school without cafeterias or gyms, and it closed its doors in 1966. James accepted Christ at an early age . It is not known what church he attended. However, James enlisted in the US Air Force from February 1954 until March 1956. While in the service he married Frances Hughes, and they did not have any children He received the “National Defense Service Medal” and the “Good Conduct Medal’. Later, James met and married Mattie Whitsey McCoy on December 23, 2003. They enjoyed family gatherings and their dog, Rover. Most of all James loved reading and sharing God’s Word. He was an avid gardener and loved growing and eating fresh fruit and vegetables. James enjoyed the quietness of Alabama after living in the city and loved sitting on the porch and seeing the gorgeous flowers. James was the Bishop at Temple Rock of Ages at 1300 I Street , Washington D.C. for many years until he relocated to Brent AL. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, and his stepson, Andre McCoy. James leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife of 21 years, Mattie McCoy Hargwood; one stepson, Kennard McCoy of Washington D.C.; a special niece, Wanda Craft; and three special nephews , Herb and Donnie of Farmville, Va, and Bobby Williams of Bessmer, AL; four brothers-in-law and four sisters--in- law, Sergeant Arthur & Lois Martin of Camp Springs, MD, Joseph & Ivy Anderson of Hyattsville, MD , Jack Whitsey of San Diego CA, h’Enri Ruth Whitseyjohnson of Washington DC. Cherry Whitsey of Brent AL, and Elder Charles Sanders of West Blockton, AL.; and a host of other nephews and nieces, cousins and other family and friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE: New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church 51 King Place Brent, Alabama 35034, Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 12:00 Noon.  Bishop J Hezekiah Walker, Eulogist Kingdom Life Empowerment Temple, Captial Heights, MD

INTERMENT:  Burial will be held at 2:00 PM at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL

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