Louise Anderson Christmas departed this life to be with her Lord Jesus on Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Shelby Baptist Medical Center within two days, following a massive stroke.

She was the daughter of D.F. Anderson Sr. and Sadie Anderson of Thomasville. She and her husband, Charles, met as students at the University of Alabama 68 years ago, and this is their 65th wedding anniversary year.

She served effectively as a pastor’s wife for all 65 years of her married life.

Mrs. Christmas graduated from Samford University with a degree in Business Administration. She was a retired public school teacher. The last 11 years of her teaching career were spent serving in the Jefferson County Jail, helping inmates earn their G.E.D.

Before being paralyzed by an injured spinal cord three years ago, Mrs. Christmas volunteered for eight years, working four days a week as hostess in the Digestive Disease Center at Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Mrs. Christmas is survived by her husband of 65 years, Charles Merry Christmas Sr.; a daughter and son, Joy Christmas Sanders (Joe) of Memphis, Tenn., and Charles Merry Christmas Jr. (Cindy) of Kansas City, Mo.; Joe Sanders Jr. of Memphis, Tenn.; Jeremy Sanders (Maggie) of Memphis, Tenn.; Tech. Sgt. Gregory Alan, U.S. Air Force, Turkey; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 21, from 6–8 p.m. at West End Baptist Church. The funeral, a celebration of her life and home-going, will take place on Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m. at West End Baptist Church.

The body will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral service. Dr. Charles Christmas Sr., the Rev. Allan Murphy and Dr. Charles Carter will be leading the service, with Martin Funeral Home in charge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be given to Southern Baptist International Missions through West End Baptist Church.