Ernestine Broom Christmas

James Sikes Funeral HomeMaddox ChapelErnestine Broom Christmas, 82, of Cottondale died Thursday, April 17, 2014 after an extended illness at Jackson Hospital with her children and family by her side. She was a loving mother and wife as well as a homemaker. Mrs. Christmas had lived in Cottondale her entire life. She retired from Cottondale High School after 24 years in food service and she was also a seamstress at Warner Garment Factory for several years. She was a member of Cottondale Assembly of God church for 65 years. Other than family, her favorite pastimes were gardening - her flowers were some of the prettiest around. She and her husband loved to go camping and fishing. Many great memories were made at the family fishing trips. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Tillman Christmas, her daughter Lavonne Dilmore-Gause, and son-in-law Edward Dilmore, her parents Lonzie and Allie Mae Broom, sister and brother -in-law Lorene and Huey Barrentine.
Left to cherish her memories include her two daughters, Donna Bill Gilbert of Tallahassee, and Lynne Jim Beauchamp of Marianna, son-in-law Jeff Gause of Tallahassee. Six loved grandchildren, April Rose (Bill) of Indian Trail, NC, Michael Dilmore (Robyn) of Tallahassee, FL, Brad Gilbert (Becca) of Tallahassee, FL, Jamie Beauchamp (Sirena) and Brian Beauchamp of Marianna, FL and a very special grandson Tyler Beauchamp of Marianna, FL. Great-grandchildren - Tristan Alexis Gilbert, Christopher Alisyn Dilmore, Zach Sydney Rose, and Baylee Beauchamp. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Janice Christmas; brothers-in-law; Aubrey Christmas Bennie Christmas (Jeannette); and niece Catherine Stone, as well as several other nieces and a nephew.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Cottondale Assembly of God Church with Rev. Chris Franklin Sister Frances Dudley officiating. Burial will follow in the First United Methodist Church cemetery with James Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2014 at James Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.