Obituary of Deacon James E. Lockley, Sr.

James E. Lockley. Sr. was born October 29, 1935, to the late De Clinton and Mamie Lockley In Middlesex County Virginia. After an extended illness he departed this life on July 3, 2023. James received his early education in the Middlesex County Public School system. He relocated to Plainsfield, New Jersey to live with his father, where he graduated from Plainsfield High School. While in Virginia, James was nurtured and lovingly cared for by Deacon James Brooklyn Johnson, And his wife, Mary Elizabeth. They were members of the Antioch Baptist Church in Saluda, where. James was baptized and served as a Junior Usher. Upon moving to Plainfield, he joined Calvary Baptist Church in Elizabeth New Jersey. James was living in Elizabeth and working in Newark later in life. Immediately after high School James enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, and served during The Korean War. He was honorably discharged and joined the work force. He held a variety of jobs, Including working for the Ford Motor Company, and the United States Postal Service, where he retired after 34 years of dedicated service. He met and married Rosalind, his wife of 28 years. They established a home in Westampton, N.J., and soon united with Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, including Senior Usher, Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Male Chorus. James enjoyed the camaraderie and Brotherhood of Prince Hall Masonry. He held many offices of the years, culminating in earning the highest honor, 33rd Degree Mason. He also maintained a lifetime membership in the American Legion Veterans and Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans Organization. As a Deacon at Tabernacle, James extended his commitment to serving the community by volunteering as a Chaplains Assistant at Virtua Hospital Mount Holly. In addition to his parents and foster parents, James was pre-deceased by his late wife Elizabeth. His son, James E. Lockley, Jr., and brother Thomas D. Lockley. James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Rosalind, and son Juan Lockley, daughter, Sheri Lockley. Bonus daughters, Greta E. Foxworth, Marie D. Sheffield. Brothers- in-law Earle M. Worley, Amos Worley, III, and a very special niece, Bernadette White, and her husband, James. And a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren cousins and friends.