We regret to announce that on March 2, 2026, Lori Genise McGriff James ascended to the ancestral realm. In her earlier years, Lori was an avid artist who expressed herself through many mediums. She pursued her love of movement as a dancer with the Alvin Ailey Dance Company and later brought her journalism worked at the Asbury Park Press.
Lori was known for her warmth, wit, and deep curiosity about people and history. A certified genealogist and knowledge keeper, she had a gift for conversation and connection, bringing together relatives, friends, and newly discovered family members.
Lori created community wherever she went. Those who knew her remember her generosity, her laughter, and the pride she carried for her daughters. She dedicated the later years of her life to helping hundreds of people reconnect with their Indigenous American and African roots, preserving family histories and guiding others toward a deeper understanding of their heritage.
