Willodine Long James was born in Washington, DC on May 28, 1970.  She was the daughter of Lillie B. (Reverend Clarence) Hunter, Sr. and the late Willie Lee (Christine) Hardy, Sr.  Willodine was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and was a 1988 graduate of Hillcrest High School.  She was also a graduate of Central Carolina Technical College.  "Dean" or "Mama Dean", as she was affectionately called by family and friends,  embraced life with a faith that everything is possible through Christ Jesus that strengthened her, a positive attitude, an encouraging word for those seeking comfort, and a very warm smile that brightens up your day. She was a genuine person at heart and loved everyone. Dean loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for them. There was no place Dean would rather be than with her family. Dean was employed by Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter School District, and Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.  She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a member of St. Luke AME Church. Dean was a servant in various ministries to include, the Praise Team, Combined Choir, Inspirational Choir, GLORY Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Trustee Board, Steward Board, Junior Steward Board, Christian Education Director, Church School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Pulpit Aide, Usher Board, 3rd Vice President of Women Missionary Society, YWI, Young Adult Spiritual Advisor, and the Bus Ministry. She loved the Lord and showed it in the life that she lived. Dean was named the 2018 Mother of the Year at St. Luke AME Church. Willodean was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Christine Hardy Sr.; grandparents, John and Lillie Long, Thomas and Lottie Bell Hunter, and Nathaniel and Mamie Hardy; twelve uncles, Remus Johnson, Leroy Johnson, Prince Johnson, John Hunter, Thomas Hunter, Lewis Hunter, Frank Mills, Nathaniel Hardy Jr., Edward Hardy, Walter Hardy, Allen Hardy and Freddy Allen; five aunts, Mary Johnson, Ethel Harvin, Mary Marine, Priscilla Washington and Janie Lee Long; and three cousins, Raymond Johnson, Waddell Hunter Jr., and James Maple Jr. On June 29, 2024, God called one of his servants home to be with Him. Willodine Long James had finished the race and it was time for her to get her reward. Willodine fought a good fight and has now has received her reward. Willodine leaves to cherish her precious memories, daughter, Kanisha (Jammie) Dennis of Sumter, South Carolina; son, Raquan James of Sumter, South Carolina; two grandchildren, Kaiden Vaughn and Jorja James; parents, Lillie (Rev. Clarence) Hunter of Sumter, South Carolina; brothers, Clarence Hunter Jr., Leon Hunter, Key'Ron Hill, Timothy (Vertina) Dinkins, all of Sumter, South Carolina, Willie (Christine) Hardy Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina, Darryl (Dorian) Hardy of Miami, Florida, Lamont (Anjuli) Fletcher of Atlanta, Georgia, Nathaniel (Cherita) Hardy of Wedgefield, South Carolina and Jonathan (Karla) Hardy of Smithtown, New York; sisters, Stacie Hunter-Wright, of Sumter, South Carolina, Caitlyn Hardy of Dalzell, South Carolina, Lauren (Brandon) Lewis of Wedgefield, South Carolina, and Tanya (Michael) Smith of Copiague, New York; six uncles, Freddie Johnson, John Long III, Waddell (Gloria) Hunter, George Hunter, Johnnie Washington and Calvin (Josephine) Hardy; fourteen aunts, Mildred Britton, Thomasena (James) Jackson, Ometta Hunter, Patricia Titus, Loretta (Orin) Dennis, Mary Hunter, Bertha Hunter, Maggie Hunter, Geneva Singleton, Margaret Maple, Evola Gilbert, Katherine (Perry) James, Lizann Witherspoon and Pamela Hardy; godson,  Christopher Hunter; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.