Hilda Diana James entered this world on a warm, sunny Wednesday, September 6, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the latJohnnie Pierce and Tinner James Pierce. She departed this life peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Baltimore, surrounded by the family who loved her.

 On Saturday, December 10, 1966, she was united in holy matrimony to Leroy James, and together they shared 54 years of a loving, trusting, and supportive marriage until his death on Saturday, March 26, 2022. 

Hilda’s faith walk began early in life when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior under the late Reverend Melvin C. Swann, Sr. at Waters African Methodist Episcopal Church. She later joined Zion Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Reverend Dr. Marshall F. Prentice, until they moved out of the area. In her final years she joined and worshipped alongside her sister Tina at Ezekiel Church & Ministries under Reverend Dominic Smith, Senior Pastor. Wherever she worshipped, she was faithful — bringing her tithes, her family, and her friends in support of the church and its ministries. 

Hilda was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, graduating in 1963 as a proud “Poet” from Dunbar High School. 

She spent 36 years in dedicated civil service with the Social Security Administration (SSA), beginning October 7, 1972, and retiring in 2008. Many of her closest and lifelong friendships were forged and life adventures experienced with her fellow Poets and SSA colleagues. 

The Life of H.I.L.D.A. 

H — Helping & Healing: A natural caregiver, Hilda nursed the sick, comforted the aging, and lovingly walked family and friends through every season of life—from their first steps to their final days. 

I — Involvement: Hilda gave generously to her community, feeding the hungry, mentoring children, and teaching valuable lessons about money, sharing, responsibility, and life. 

L — Love: Her heart and her home were always open. Family, friends, and even strangers were welcomed, embraced, and made to feel valued and loved. 

D — Dedicated: Her devotion to family, faith, and service was unwavering. Through her example, Hilda inspired others to serve, achieve, give back, and make a difference. 

A — Authentic & Unforgettable: Hilda was truly one of a kind. Her bold personality, competitive spirit while playing jacks, love of a good movie, and famous home-cooked meals were just a few of the things that made her special. From babies to seniors, everyone who knew Hilda experienced her genuine care and unforgettable presence. Her love, laughter, wisdom, and legacy are engraved in our hearts and minds forever. 

She was preceded in death by six brothers Junius, George, Clifton, Levon, Cornell and Wilbert and one sister Barbara Pierce Coleman. 

She leaves to cherish her memory: one brother Muciska Pierce (Elder Diane) and one sister Reverend Marshell “Tina” Pierce-Morris (Deacon Kimmie); sisters in-law Augusta and Betty Pierce; one daughter Tiombae T. James; six children whom she loved as her own Brenda Johnson (Louis “Butch”), Kevin Crawford, Channel James, Eugene Scott, Craig Crawford and Nicole Evans; grandchildren Khrissy Monroe, Rhonda Moore, Da’Quan, Ishay, and Somia McIntyre, Zyon and Zyron Bell; great-grandchildren Amir, Amar, Amil and Ahroy Cousin, Mekhi Moore, Kaycen Davis, Kimani Drummond; and a host of dedicated nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.