Talaya James

Talaya James, talented and accomplished woman, was born in Washington, DC in January 1972 to Charles and Rosie Ford. She parted this earth to walk with God on May 19, 2021. Some would have described Talaya as quiet, nice, and the personification of class. For those who knew her life’s story, they would describe her as a strong, self-confident, resilient fighter who was divinely blessed. She was educated at many of the finest schools in the DMV including: the Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Our Lady of Lourdes School for middle school, Regina High School and Archbishop John Carroll High School. Talaya graduated college from Tuskegee University. Talaya was a multi-talented musician. She had an exceptional ear for music in addition to a remarkable memory and sense of interpretation of music. She played the violin for the DC Youth Orchestra which afforded her the opportunity to play in various countries such as China, Russia, and Spain. She studied classical piano and she sang with the Men and Women of Gospel in Washington, DC. Talaya enjoyed adjudications and competitions. Talaya was an excellent Science Engineering, Math, and Technology (STEM) student, culminating in earning a BSME degree from Tuskegee University and attending the Engineering Graduate School program at George Washington University. She was a member of the National Society of Black Engineers Professionals where she participated in community outreach to increase the number of people from underserved communities to pursue STEM careers. While participating in NSBE, Talaya met Mark James . Talaya worked for 10 Years as an Engineer for the US Park Service, the Patent office, USDA and Charles Ford and Associates. Talaya also pursued interests in gourmet cooking, sewing, and gardening. Talaya’s greatest joy was her daughter Janine. She sparked Janine’s early interest in computer programming through hours spent together playing video games, solving puzzles, attending science fairs, and completing STEM activities. She often shared stories of her experiences as a woman in engineering and instilled in Janine that she could accomplish anything. Talaya spent countless hours volunteering at Janine’s school serving as team mom for her basketball, soccer, and softball teams. She assisted as a referee for her robotics tournaments. Even though her health deteriorated, she continued to support Janine by driving her to activities at her high school which included band, sports, and competitive robotics. Talaya was an intelligent, nurturing, and dedicated wife and mother who was blessed with many talents. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Talaya leaves to mourn a devoted husband, Mark; daughter Janine; and her parents Charles and Rosie Ford. She is also survived by two maternal great aunts in SC; one uncle in Birmingham, AL; one uncle in Laurel, Maryland; one aunt in Silver Spring, Maryland; one aunt in Washington, DC; and one aunt in Baton Rouge, LA. She also leaves to mourn many cousins and other relatives and friends. Events: Viewing: June 9, 10:00 AM- 10:45 Funeral MASS June 9, 11:00AM -1:00PM St. Joseph Catholic Church (mask mandatory) 2020 St. Joseph Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Phone: 301-773-4838 LIVE ONLINE VIEWING at time of Mass: www.facebook.com/StJosephLargo

Tributes

Talaya James

May 19, 2021