Dolores "Barbara" James affectionately known as Auntie B, transitioned from this form of life to meet her Lord and Savior on the evening of Saturday, December 24, 2021.  Barbara was born in Panama, Republic of Panama on April 6, 1938, to her parents Etheline (predeceased) and Albert Smith (predeceased). She was the second of five girls. She grew up with her sisters: Marcia (predeceased), Mavis, Norma and Olivia. She was also the mother of her beloved son Armando James (predeceased).

In 1959, at the age of 21 years old, Barbara (Auntie B) migrated to the United States. Not long after, she landed a job at the very prestigious New York Hilton Hotel located in New York City. She worked hard and remained committed to her job to the point where her undeniable work ethics resulted in her being promoted to a supervisor. Barbara would often share stories of the people she met at work including celebrities, former US presidents, and dignitaries. However, their notoriety never phased her because Auntie B carried herself like royalty.

Barbara took pride in everything she did. Becoming a mother taught her to love unconditionally and gave her strengths she didn't know she had.

In 1996, she made the decision to relocate to Florida to purchase her first house in Port St. Lucie, Florida. This house became a home and when you entered; there was no mistake that she was the queen of her castle. Also, during that time Auntie B became an integral part of the lives of her three grandnephews, helping to raise, Cameron and then later Quentin and Nicholas.

Auntie B loved to cook, bake and entertain friends and family. She also loved salsa music and preparing her native Panamanian dishes. Because of her love of music and good food, she would find excuses to throw a party. When you were going to Auntie B's house, you knew to bring empty containers to take food home for the week. She prepared many special dishes and never knew the meaning of cooking a small pot of anything.

Auntie B traveled the world visiting places like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Spain, North Africa and most of the Caribbean Islands. She also loved to cruise but her favorite destination was her birthplace Panama. Auntie B was a proud Panamanian and took advantage of every opportunity to travel back home.

Auntie B did not allow anything or anyone to hold her back from living her best life. She will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt and grand aunt. Her no-nonsense demeanor caused her to be a force to be reckoned with. However, she had a heart of gold and would literally give you the shirt off her back, a place to rest and a hot meal.

She is survived by three sisters Mavis, Norma and Olivia Abel. Her beloved niece/spiritual daughter Josefa and host of other nieces and nephews who will all miss her dearly.

Understand, GOD needed HIS angel home, so He called her to be with Him to look over us from His heavenly place.

In lieu of flowers, food or sympathy cards, the family is requesting donations by clicking here. All contributions will be forwarded to non-profits dedicated to research to cure Alzheimer's.