757.628.1000

Adriane Bernice James


Sunrise: May 19, 1958

Sunset: November 12, 2022

Saturday November 12, 2022 while it was peaceful and quiet, Adriane B. James slipped away to be with God. Adriane was born on May 19, 1958 in Norfolk, Va. She was the fourth daughter of the late

Melvin and Geraldine James. She was educated in Norfolk Public Schools, graduated from Granby High School in 1976 with honors. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech in 1981.

Adriane was a retired Program Manager with the Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk and Washington, DC for a total of 37 years.

Adriane was an active Life and Silver Star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Upsilon Omicron Omega Chapter and member of the Ivy Heritage Foundation Norfolk. Her interest and hobbies were gardening, baking, helping youth, and sport organizations.

Preceded in death by her father and mother, and sister Brenda L. Morris, she leaves to cherish her memory; two sisters, Sarelda James-Green, Chesapeake, VA. and Shelia Johnson (Joe) Virginia Beach, VA.; one brother Keith James Chesapeake, VA.; four nieces, Cherwana Harris (Devin) Woodbridge, VA.; Shannon Johnson, Virginia Beach, VA.; Jordan James, Richmond, VA. and Jaylen James, Norfolk, VA.  Two nephews, Damien Green, Norfolk, VA. and Wesley Johnson, (Caitlyn) Atlantic Beach, FL, a host of great nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the American Cancer Society and/or the Ivy Heritage Foundation – Norfolk.

 

Viewing Tuesday, November 22, 2022 2:00pm-6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service COME IN PERSON OR WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Wednesday, November 23, 2022 10:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Woodlawn Memorial Gardens 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23502

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Condolences(38)

  1. reply
    Tony and Colita Fairfax says

    Our hearts are full with sadness and Thanksgiving, as we believe our dear Adriane is resting with the Father and all of the saints. Adriane and Tony were classmates at Virginia Tech. We believe she is probably the first Black female graduate of the architecture program at VTech. Adriane was present at our wedding, and was supportive of our daughters. She was a sweet sorority sister, and it was Colita’s honor to serve with her in the Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A quiet spirit who worked hard in all that she labored in, we shall miss her. We thank God we knew one who was so faithful to so many, and loved all she knew. Praying with the family.

  2. reply
    James Smith says

    Adriane was a quiet but confident student during my short time at Va. Tech. We remained friends afterwards in Norfolk VA. The economy was crappy and she really struggled to get a first Architect job but she persevered and thrived. She was a kind person and easy to be friends with. See you later my friend. Jimmy Smith and family

  3. reply
    Z Antoinetta Thomas Harrington says

    ADRIANA WAS A VERY SWEET AND BEAUTIFUL PERSON WITH A HEART 💜 OF GOLD ALWAYS SMILING SHE HELP ME IN GOVERNMENT CLASS AT GRANBY HIGH SCHOOL WE WE’RE FROM THE SAME NEIGHBORHOOD BARRARD PARK SLEEP ON MY SISTER WE ALL LOVED YOU BUT GOD WANTED HIS ANGLE RIH GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

  4. reply
    Andy Lau says

    I will miss you AJ. Always a kind gentle soul at the workplace with a calming voice and a smile that would brighten anyone’s day.

  5. reply
    Cynthia De Jong says

    I am saddened to hear of Adriane’s passing. I was thinking of her last week, and tried to contact her today only to find out the tragic news. I worked with Adriane at the USACE Norfolk District when she was a Project Manager and I was the Chief of Architecture. She was always calming and offered great advice. She will be sorely missed!

  6. reply
    Alice Pool says

    AJ was a considerate and driven project manager who executed projects with a passion. She was helpful to me, and I dare say many other people at the Norfolk District.

    May she rest in peace.

  7. reply
    Greg Hegge says

    Rest in peace AJ. She was a very patient professional, having taught me much of what I know about project management when I started at the Norfolk District in 2005. Always a joy to be around and full of energy and optimism!

  8. reply
    Kyle Guess says

    Very saddened to learn of AJ’s passing. She had a huge heart and a warmness that was always comforting and reassuring. Will miss her greatly.

  9. reply
    Melanie Pearson Hurley says

    I was honored to be a classmate of Adriane’s at Virginia Tech. We remained in contact over the years and I enjoyed catching up with her at Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority conferences and Virginia Tech Black Alumni Reunions. Rest in paradise dear Soror.

  10. reply
    Melody Will says

    Our thoughts and prayers are with AJ’s family at this difficult time. She was the first smiling face greeting me as I walked from the parking lot on my first day at Norfolk District. We crossed paths again at USACE HQ and we always had our Hokie Architecture roots. Her caring and positive legacy will live on and we will all miss her radiant smile.

  11. reply
    Holly Baynham says

    Adrienne’s passing has certainly stunned me. I had the pleasure to be a classmate with her at Virginia Tech and we were both in the Architecture program there. It was Adrienne that encouraged me to pledge the Theta Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. I am forever greatful for her encouragement during those college years. Sending love and light to her family. Rest in power Soror Adrienne!

  12. reply
    Jeff Zoeckler says

    Sad to hear. I really enjoyed working with AJ. She always greeted me with a smile and a “Whats up Z?”. I also recall many lively discussions on VT football and basketball. Her enthusiasm was definitely a lift for her coworkers. Rest in Peace AJ.

  13. reply
    Mark Haviland says

    Tragic news. I’m thankful to have known you, AJ. You were a true professional. You were always prepared, and knew your business. You were no nonsense when you needed to be and always quick to flash a smile when that was needed, too. I’m honored to have known you and to have worked with you. Rest well, my friend. You are missed.

  14. reply
    Mark Mansfield says

    To AJ’s Family:
    I had the pleasure to have worked together with AJ at the Norfolk District. I remember her to have been a valued team mate whose best traits were faith and trust. Her team mates, customers, stakeholders, and project partners were each important to her and she always did her best including that trademark smile. I count myself fortunate to have called her “friend”.

    Well done good and faithful servant!

    Respectfully,
    Mark Mansfield

  15. reply
    Sheree Perry says

    AJ was always a pleasure to work with and an overall great person to know. You will definitely be missed by family, friends, and everyone whose life you have touched. I pray peace and comfort for your family at this time.

  16. reply
    Padam Jain says

    I am Very Sorry to hear of Adriane’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Padam Jain
    USACE

  17. reply
    Johnny Grandison says

    Our hearts are heavy in learning of A.J.’s passing. She was one of the first persons to welcome me into the PM Branch at Norfolk District. She was a true professional in her craft. Whether it was overcoming challenges on the job or in her personal life, Adriane would go to great lengths to make things right and people better. A.J. always tried to leave laughter and love in her wake. Her positive AKAtude was infectious as she cheerfully lived a life of service both at work and in the community. Praying for peace and comfort to her family and friends. “A.J., Well Done…”

  18. reply
    Leonard Mule’ says

    Lovely person. She was one of the first people to welcome me at the Norfolk District. Prayers for her family.

  19. reply
    John Regan says

    I had the honor of working with AJ at the Norfolk District in the Environmental Branch. She was instrumental in starting my career in Project Managment. I will always remember her as a kind and helpful person and very dedicated to her sorority. My prayers and condolences go out to her family. Rest in Peace, AJ.

    • reply
      Burnell Bullock says

      Adriane was one of the many extremely nice upperclassmen when I got to Va Tech. She and her her circle of friends made it easy to adjust to a new place and she will never be forgotten. She was also one of those people I made sure to visit whenever I went to Norfolk.

  20. reply
    Garland Cooper says

    AJ was a truly dear friend and co-worker at the Norfolk District. We always had great great conversations on sports, politics or just work related matters. She loved and adored being affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I will truly miss those conversations and especially, her bright beautiful smile that she always displayed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family.

  21. reply
    Butch Wardlaw says

    AJ was truly a very good person and a dear colleague that I enjoyed working with during our support of the FNOD Restoration Advisory Board. I am very saddened to learn of her passing and will miss her smile, wit, and grace. I will also remember with special fondness how AJ always perservered and drove forward to the next task or challenge at hand. She knew how to carry the load for others. Rest in peace, AJ. My thoughts and prayers are with you in passing and with your friends and family as they navigate life without you.

  22. reply
    CAROLYN WHITFIELD says

    To the James Family. My family and I are so sorry to hear about Adriane passing. Our prayers are with you. I will always remember our time together at Norview Middle School and Granby High. Glad that we continued to stay in touch. RIP

  23. reply
    Gary Szymanski says

    Adriane was such a positive person with a warm smile. We worked on so many projects over the years and shared good conversations. She was a friend, and I will miss her.

  24. reply
    >Estherine J. Harding says

    It is with deep sympathy & prayers to Soror Adriane’s family, friends, and sorors that I extend this condolence. I was shocked to learn that she has passed and it grieves my heart sorely even though I know she is rejoicing with the angels in heaven.. She is loved and will be greatly missed by so, so many.
    Well done, rest in peace, Soror Adriane. Your life and work speak blessings for you upon a large cadre’. To God be the Glory!

    Soror Estherine J. Harding, NSU Retiree
    2016 Distinguished Alumna and Life Member

  25. reply
    Darlene Plummer Wilson says

    I was sadden to get the news today regarding Adrienne’s transitioning. I got to know her through her sister many years ago at Granby High school, we connected again on Facebook and I must say that Adrienne’s smile and personality was beautiful. My family and I are praying for the family. I pray you will find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ . God bless you.

  26. reply
    Vera Turner says

    My heart aches knowing that Adriane is no longer with us. She was a kind and gentle soul with quiet strength. Our paths crossed at Virginia Tech where I was a freshman and she was a junior. Adriane encouraged me in my studies, helped me adjust to college life, and inspired me to become an AKA. The bond we formed during those early days sustained our friendship for more than 40 years. And for that I’m very grateful. To the James family, I pray that you find comfort in your love for Adriane and your cherished memories of the good times you shared together.

  27. reply
    Teri and Jorge Nadal says

    AJ will always be in our hearts. She was the most kind, compassionate and thoughtful person that we ever met. She did so much for others and never asked for anything in return. She helped many at the Corps in their time of need and served as a mentor to many. Your family must be very proud of the person that you are and will always be. Trustworthy and loyal. I can still see her smiling. Rest in peace my friend.

  28. reply
    Sherryl Whitten-Jacobs says

    To Serelda James & family, please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of Adriane. We know that you all will miss her dearly, and know that we are keeping you in our prayers and thoughts. Hold on to your precious memories of her and we hope that it will provide you some peace. Rest peacefully, Adriane, my birthday twin.

  29. reply
    Deborah Lamb Boatwright says

    I was saddened to learn of Adrian’s passing. AJ was a friend and co-worker at USACE Norfolk District. I pray that she rests in peace and that her family is comforted during their period of bereavement.

  30. reply
    Esther Anderson says

    I am so saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend AJ. I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with her for many many years at the army corps. She was committed to her job, loyal to her friends and coworkers and always had a zest for life and a radiant smile. My prayers go out to the family.
    Esther Anderson (Queen)

  31. reply
    Tawana Bates-Burtt says

    To Sarelda, Sheila and Keith….I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Adriane. Our families definitely go way back starting with the friendships of our parents. I haven’t seen Adriane in quite some time but was still thrown for a loop when I received the message from Sarelda. Adriane as I remember her always had that same beautiful smile that is on her picture. A quiet, gentle and loving soul. This is the way I will always remember her as being. My sincerest condolences are extended to the James Family. Our prayers remain with you all always but especially during this time of bereavement. Remain strong and faithful and know that we love you all.
    Tawana BATES Burtt and Family

  32. reply
    Venessa McAfee says

    God took another good soul to harmonize with the angels in his beautiful choir. I was saddened to hear of the passing of AJ. She worked next to me at the US Army Corp of Engineers for 3 years and taught me so much. Her willingness to help and be there in a time of need was astronomical. When God took my mom in 2019, AJ called me everyday offering her assistance and time as a friend to talk through my sad and lonely days. AJ rest in peace. I will miss you. My prayers and condolences go out to the family.

  33. reply
    Patsy Hosner says

    I was saddened to hear of AJ’s passing. She was a truly remarkable person, who I had the privilege to know while supporting her work at FNOD and other projects. Our talks would often go to a lively discussion of VT Hokie football and all things Virginia Tech. I send my sincere condolences to the James family with love and prayers.

  34. reply
    Patricia Lee Ingram says

    Adriane, an intelligent, smart, and beautiful spirit always. This world is missing a bright light. She was genuine all the time. It was a pleasure to work with her at the Army Corps of Engineers and on a host of projects to empower others. Rest well in paradise, my friend.

  35. reply
    Sheila Murrell says

    I am saddened to hear about AJ’s passing. We worked together at the Norfolk District. It was always a pleasure talking with her. She was a beautiful person and will truly be missed. It was my honor to call her my friend. My condolences and prayers go out to her family.

    • reply
      Althea Thomas Correa says

      My condolences to
      The family. I meet Adriane in middle school. She was the sweetest person you could ever meet. We were
      friends immediately. Whenever I talked to her she always made the time. I will miss here, but I will always remember her smile and loving personality.

  36. reply
    Althea Thomas Correa says

    My condolences to
    The family. I meet Adrienne in middles school. She was the sweetest person you could ever meet. We were
    friends immediately. Whenever I talked to her she always made the time. I will miss here, but I will always remember her smile and loving personality.

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