Deaconess Joyce Mae Christmas entered into eternal heavenly rest on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at her residence. She was preceded in death by her parents, the late John and Lucy Burruss; brothers, John Burruss, Herman Burruss, and Robert Burruss, Sr.; sisters, Cora Andrews and Carrie Grooms.

She attended the A. G. Richardson School. She loved her family, spending time with them while focusing on their needs and was affectionately known as "the mother of the neighborhood". She dearly loved her church, her church family and was always there to support them. She was known for her baking and sharing with everyone.
Deaconess Christmas accepted Christ at an early age and remained a faithful member of the Foster Creek Baptist Church until she was called home. She was installed as a deaconess in 2003 as well as serving on the missionary, choir and faithful attendance of bible study and Sunday School.

She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband of 57 years, Ralph Christmas, Jr.; one daughter, Loretha Dixon (Gregory) of Chesterfield, Virginia; two sons, Ronald Christmas (Diane) and Alvin Christmas and devoted friend Leslie of Louisa, Virginia; four grandsons; three granddaughters; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Clarence Burruss of Charlottesville, Virginia and Lloyd Burruss, Sr. (Mary) of Palmyra, Virginia; one sister, Marie Christmas of Charlottesville, Virginia; one brother-in-law, Arthur Christmas (Joyce) of Louisa, Virginia; three sister-in-laws, Isabelle Grooms of Troy, Virginia, Ruth Quarles (Larry) of Gordonsville, Virginia; and Mary Christmas of Louisa, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

As quoted by Deaconess Christmas, "It's not about me, it's all about Jesus."

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Foster Creek Baptist Church 4028 East Jack Jouett Road Louisa, VA with Rev. Michael Crawley, Jr., officiating. Interment will follow in the Christmas Family Cemetery.