Celena Marie James-Merow was born to Lawrence James Sr. and Gretchen Woods on March 26, 1981. Celena attended school at Basile Elementary School. After she graduated from William C. Hinkley High School she went on to study at Mesa State College.  Celena received Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. Joshua Frank at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Louisiana. Celena relocated to Colorado and became a member of Faith Temple COGIC under the leadership of Pastor David Young and now under the leadership of Pastor Dean Dixon. Years later, she moved back to her home church Holiness unto the Lord church of Elton under the leadership of Bishop Jacob Thomas until her health  declined and prevented her from participating, but she still had God in her heart.  Celena held many positions. She worked as a Notary  Public/Officer for the state of Colorado, she was a foster parent with Maple Star Foster Care, a senior housing coordinator at Travelers Haven, human resources at Terra Ferma and as a bank teller at Key Bank. She also started her own business crocheting and knitting.  Celena  volunteered her time feeding the homeless and crocheting special things for them. She enjoyed cooking meals for family and friends, spending time with her reptiles/tortoises, and was in a Book it and book club events. She will be remembered for her sense of humor/wit, kind, loving nature, incredible smile, genuine care for others, and huge heart for all around her. She made an impact on many lives.  She will be forever missed.

Celena is proceeded in death by her grandparents late Odell James Sr., late Elma Bruno James, late Earl Woods Jr. and late Evelyn Ardoin Woods.  Celena Marie James-Merow leaves to cherish her memories, her husband David Merow, loving children DeeAndra and Unique, her parents Lawrence (Deanna) James, Gretchen (Russell) Jones, siblings Lawrence James Jr., Jeremy Keith James, Tylerton Kennedy, Hannah
James, Jaleesa, Paris (Sherisse) Chealsea, Jaleen, Russell II, Felicia

She was survived by aunts and uncles: Katina James Captain, Lester Glen James (Marlise), Jesse James (Martha), Eddie James, Chelsea Thomas (George), Vajuan Washington, Cedric Barron (Rhonda), Yolanda Gail Ford (Manuel), Bernadette James, Rita Fields (Joseph),
Pamela Thomas (Earl), Monica Romain (Abel), Cathy Woods Sullivan, Chawana Woods, Lorraine Freeman (Mark) Special friends: Jennifer, Rhonda, Sister Janice, Pastor Jill, Dorothy and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends