A TIME TO BE BORN "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 James Raleigh Session, son of Robert Session and Rebecca Smalls Session, was born September 22, 1917, in Charleston, SC. He was the third child of seven children. James became a member of St. James AME Church in Moncks Corner, in 1938, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Also, in 1938, he moved to Charleston, SC where he worked at The Citadel for three years. In 1940, he took one look at Mabel E. Haynes and "fell" head-over-heels in love with her. He happily married her on April 6, 1942. The love he had for her never wavered and never failed. It grew with the passage of each year of their lives together, and openly shared with their children. That same year he began working at the Charleston Navy Shipyard as a welder. He worked there until he decided to move his family to Gary, IN in 1946. There, he worked as a plasterer for five years. In 1951, he formed his own contracting business. The business was very successful. He retired to Moncks Corner, SC in 1983. While in Gary, IN, he joined and raised his family at Greater St. James AME Church. There, he served as a Trustee, a Class Leader and as a member of the Usher Board. Two of the saddest days of his life occurred in 1962. In June, he lost his first born, James, Jr.; and in August, his beloved uncle, Gordon Session. A TIME TO DIE " And if I go and prepare a place fore you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also." John 14:3 James entered into eternal rest on April 15, 2009 in Columbia, SC. The wonderful memories of his sweet and giving spirit will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Mabel H. Session, and his three children whom he loved deeply and unconditionally: his daughter, Joyce L. Session Hargrove of Moncks Corner, SC, his son, Larry R. Session, Sr. of Fort Worth, TX, and his daughter, Brenda J. Session of Indianapolis, IN. He loved and was very proud of his two grandsons, Chandler L. Session and Larry R. Session, Jr. He was delighted with his two great-grandsons, Carn Z. and Tariq A. Session, sons of Larry, Jr. He will be sincerely missed by his two sisters, Beatrice Wallace Barrett (Benjamin) and Thelma Jones of Miami, FL; his aunt, Dr. Lela Haynes Session; his brother-in-law, Oscar Haynes, Sr.; his two sisters-in-law, Alma Haynes Rorie and Elise Haynes all of Moncks Corner, SC; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a multitude of friends. "A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands were laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us that HE only takes the BEST!" ****************************************************************** To My Dear Family & Friends Left Behind I want you to know that I've moved. I received a call from God, the Chief Architect, who informed me that my new home was ready and that I am to move in immediately. I've been sending up my vegetables, grass and flower seeds, planning my landscape, packing up, and getting ready to go. At the last minute I remembered to pack my fishing rods and reels. There were some minor finishing touches in some of my work that only the Chief Carpenter - Jesus Christ could do. My new home is finished and it's a beautiful sight to behold. It is located in an exclusive estate area and it's behind a beautiful pearly gate just off a serene celestial shore. Of course, the streets are paved with gold and every day is Sunday, I'm told. I've lived in several different places before my new home was prepared. But none can compare. There's Peace, Joy and Happiness here, with no more pain, fear, strife and discontent. There is only sweet content everywhere. I could go on and on telling you about my new home, but I have to go and get fitted for my new wings. Let me give you my new address: JAMES RALEIGH SESSION 1001 E. 19th Heaven's Avenue Eternity, Heaven I don't have a phone yet, but call God If you don't have His number - try prayer. P. S. When you arrive, you will find me either planting, tending and harvesting the heavenly gardens, or, relaxing while fishing on the heavenly shores with my loyal dog Sandy sitting by my side.