Emma Riddle Burruss was born on April 8, 1918, to the late Alex Marshall and Katie Riddle in Waldo, Alabama, in Talladega County. She departed this life on November 12, 2006, in Huntsville, Alabama.
Emma professed her belief in Christ at an early age, and was baptized at the Franklin Street Church of Christ, which later became the Farriss Drive Church of Christ. She was a devoted Christian, who joyfully and passionately expressed her love for God, her church, her family, and all mankind. She remained a faithful member of the Farriss Drive congregation until her health failed.
Emma spent her childhood years with her parents and siblings in Birmingham, Alabama, where she received her primary education in the Jefferson County School System. Her family later moved to Huntsville, where she received her secondary education from the Huntsville School system.
It was in Huntsville, where Emma met William Erskine (Ben) Burruss, and they were united in Holy matrimony, July 12, 1939. For the 67 years they were married, she remained a loving, and devoted wife. To this union, seven children were born. She was preceded in death by an infant son, William Erskine Jr. (1941), and a loving daughter, Willie Mae Burruss (1981). Family responsibilities were a priority in Emma's life, and she worked diligently, dedicating her life to nurturing, and educating her children.
Over the years, Emma displayed her love for gardening; she had the ability to nurture plants also. Year after year, season after season, her yard as well as her window sills were filled with an array of blooms in every color. Caring for her plants provided meditation time for her, as she would often sing and hum spirituals and hymns as she watered and tended them.
Early in life Emma acquired incomparable culinary skills, which she was widely known for. She had a way of preparing meals that were both appealing to the eyes as well as the taste. Meals often consisted of a lavish spread of meats and vegetables seasoned to perfection, followed by an array of homemade rolls, cakes, pies, puddings and other delectable desserts. She loved to entertain family, and friends, and got much joy and satisfaction from preparing these meals for them.
Later in life, Emma developed an interest in the sport of bowling. She joined a senior bowling team, where she remained an active member from 1978 to 1994. She proudly displayed her numerous awards, plaques, and trophies that she acquired over the years.
Emma leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memories; her loving and devoted husband, William Erskine Burruss, Sr.; two daughters: Emma Jean Rice of Huntsville, Alabama and Mary Ann Leslie (Clemie) of Clarksville, Tennessee; three sons: Robert Elvie Burruss, Sr. (Hattie) and William Joseph Burruss (Jackie) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Clarence Wallace Burruss (Patricia) of Dallas, Texas; two sisters: Helen Prather of Detroit, Michigan, and Ann Williams of Talladega, Alabama; 10 grandchildren and 13 great¬grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services Held
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Twelve O’clock Noon
Farriss Drive Church of Christ
3203 Farriss Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35810
Minister James Gray, Officiating