Estelle James

Lawanda “Estelle” Troutman James, age 95, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at her home. She was born in Kenefic, Oklahoma, to V.L. and Berneice Troutman.

Raised in the Kenefic area, Estelle graduated from Kenefic High School. After high school, she studied elementary education at Southeastern College, graduating with a teaching certificate. While at Southeastern, she met Gene James, a student who had completed his military service in Korea. They were married in 1953, celebrating 68 years of marriage before his passing in 2021.

When Gene and Estelle moved to Shawnee in 1963, they brought their two sons, Paul and David, and united with First Baptist Church, where she was very active in Sunday School and was a faithful Vacation Bible School teacher. Gene started James’ Sausage, operating it from 1963 to 1987. For the family business, Estelle kept the books and served as receptionist.

From 1989 to 2012, Estelle worked at United Optical. In 2015, she started as a substitute teacher in early childhood education. Not long afterward, Estelle was hired full-time by the Shawnee School District. Being a grandmother figure to so many impressionable children was a role she cherished until May 2026. Even this summer, she participated in Vacation Bible School at Heritage Church.

Her Bible was an important element of her life. She read it every day and applied its teachings in her selfless, faithful service to others. Gene and Estelle raised two of their great-grandchildren, giving much of themselves. Even at age 95, Estelle’s mind was sharp, and she remained physically active. Until her last few months, whenever someone came for dinner, she would be up and serving. Scripture tells us that faith, hope, and love abide, and the greatest of these is love. Estelle manifested the greatest of these in the love that she was.

Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents, Votial and Berneice Troutman; her father-in-law, T. W. James; her mother-in-law, Carrie James; her brothers, Harold Troutman and Cliff Troutman; and her sister, Nicki Palmer.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Paul James and David James; daughter-in-law, Tammi James; grandchildren, Hank James, Lindsey James, Sean James, and Amy James; great-grandchildren, Britton James of San Diego, CA, Kamryn James of Harrah, Simon James and Lucas James of Shawnee, Autumn and Colton Huff of Missouri, and Clara James and Adeline James of Shawnee; sister, Pat Mauldin and husband Wayne; sister-in-law, Jerry Troutman; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with the family present to greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. A funeral ceremony to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church, 227 N. Union, Shawnee, OK 74804, with Dr. Paul Calmes officiating. Following the ceremony, Estelle will be laid to rest next to her beloved Gene at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee.

Arrangements are under the direction of Riley-Walker Funeral Service & Crematory.