Back to Obituaries Battle Mortuary | Panama City, FL

Sister Wilma Dean Christmas

03/20/1951 - 11/04/2022

Obituary For Sister Wilma Dean Christmas

Wilma Dean Christmas, 71, of Panama City, Florida, transitioned on November 4, 2022, with her family at her bedside. She was born to parents Moses Derico Sr. and Freddie Mae (Dawson), on March 20, 1951, in Selma, Alabama. While growing up in Selma with her grandmother, Fannie Mae Dawson, she attended and was baptized at Green Street Baptist Church. As a young girl, she and her siblings participated in the Selma to Montgomery March. She would graduate from R.B. Hudson High School in 1969 and briefly attended Selma University, before being swept off her feet, by a young military man. She would soon marry Ollie "Bobby" Christmas Jr. on December 31, 1975. They remained together for more than 47 years, residing in multiple states and countries, due to Ollie being enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF). In 1989, they received an assignment from the USAF to Tyndall Air Force Base. They retired and then continued to reside in Panama City, Florida, becoming welcoming and contributing members of the community.

She remained a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church until the time of her passing. In her 30 years as a member, she served the church in several capacities, from Usher, to the Kitchen Ministry, and wherever she could help spread the love of God.

Wilma had an amazing sense of style, which would rival most in Hollywood. She was on a first name basis with the ladies of Dillard’s and Chico’s, and they would often set aside items specifically to her tastes. Her cooking ability was legendary amongst friends, family and all who were lucky enough to grace her table. She passed on her big smile and warm heart to all who knew her. Motherly, is the word that would best describe Wilma. She would often invite a neighbor to come get a plate of food, a new young military family in the area to fellowship, or any of her grandkids, nieces and nephews to spend the summer.

One of her major life achievements was her 31 years of Civil Service with the United States government. She received numerous awards and accolades while serving her country. As a Base Switchboard Operator, she was lauded for her support during the war in Afghanistan. She also worked as a Base Exchange as a Retail Associate, the base Commissary, and in Hospital records department, as well.

Wilma was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. As her health declined she knew that God, husband and family had her back.

She is survived by her husband, Ollie Christmas Jr. and three children: daughter Basimah Derico of Atlanta, GA; son Ollie Christmas III of Tallahassee, FL; and son Allah Christmas (Sonisha Royes-Christmas) of Powder Springs, GA. She is also survived by ten grandchildren Asiya Abdur-Rahman, Zakiyyah Abdur-Rahman, Mujaahid Abdur-Rahman, Muhaajir Abdur-Rahman, Khalil Christmas, Yusuf Abuelanaga, Jasir Christmas, Jayden Christmas, Inaya Christmas, and Azalea Christmas, one great-grandchild; Amir Abdur-Rahman, sisters Patricia Derico, Shirley Geary (Reginald), Adrian Stevens and brothers Moses Derico Jr., John Woods Jr. (Yvette), Perry Woods, and Ricky Guice. Proceeded in death by Robert Derico and Roderick Derico.She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, who all cherished her.

Viewing ceremony held at Battle Mortuary on Friday, November 11, 2022, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church on Cove Boulevard in Panama City, FL. with the caring staff of Battle Mortuary directing.

The interment will take place on Sunday November 13, at 3 p.m. in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Fitler, Mississippi with Walker Funeral Home directing.


Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Annie V Garrett sent Calming Comfort Bouquet for Sister Wilma Dean Christmas - November 10, 2022

In loving memory and celebration of the life of my sister in Christ, Wilma.

Send flowers for Sister Wilma Dean Christmas

R. B. Hudson Class of 1969 sent The Peace Lily for Sister Wilma Dean Christmas - November 09, 2022

To the Family, May the Lord bless and comfort you during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences, as we share your loss. With deepest sympathy and love, R. B. Hudson Class of 1969

My deepest condolences to the family. Thank you for sharing this special lady with me. She will surely be missed.

Sending my deepest condolences to the Christmas Family. Thank you guys for sharing this special lady with me. She will surely be missed, but was surely loved.

To the family, may God give you strength to deal with your loss; Our deepest condolences during this time of grief. Alejandro and Ada Sabio

To the family, may God give you strength to deal with your loss; Our deepest condolences during this time of grief

Wilma was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. We were blessed to have Mr. & Mrs. Christmas as our neighbors for many years. It was wonderful to witness the true love the two of them had for each other. My condolences go out to her husband, her children, her family, and her friends. Wilma was one of a kind and she will be greatly missed. ❤️❤❤

Wilma lived her life as a strong witness to her LORD, family, and career - all of which epitomized that of love and service. She was kind and strong-spirited and her sense of style and grace made her that much more endearing to all who knew her. She was a wonderful cook and I was blessed to enjoy her company on many special occasions as well as some of her legendary recipes! I pray for the comfort of her family as we remember and celebrate her life, especially her loving and devoted husband, Ollie, who was her rock and caregiver. Now Wilma is in the loving arms of our LORD and Savior, finally resting in peace. Blessings to you all. Annie V Garrett

My deepest condolences to the family of Wilma. Wilma was a great classmate. I last saw her at out 45th Class Reunion in 2014. We were so glad to see each other as it has been a while since we seen each other. My prayers is that God will bless and keep you as you deal with your loss. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 //Clarence Johnson, R. B. Hudson Class of 1969//

To the family of our dear classmate of R.B. Hudson High School Class of 1969: May the God of all comfort, strengthen and keep you in His grace and peace during this time. With deepest condolences, Remigia Perkins Nordé

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Battle Mortuary | Panama City, FL

Best Sellers

Plant Trees
Plant Trees

$50.00

Beautiful Dreams
Beautiful Dreams

$84.95

Gracious Lavender Basket
Gracious Lavender Basket

$134.95

Serene Lily Basket
Serene Lily Basket

$104.95

Pink Tribute Spray
Pink Tribute Spray

$149.95

Sweet Moments
Sweet Moments

$74.95

Mixed Spray
Mixed Spray

$149.95

Red and White Handled Basket
Red and White Handled Basket

$84.95

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

$79.95

Traditional Floor Basket
Traditional Floor Basket

$79.95

Ocean Devotion
Ocean Devotion

$79.95

The Peace Lily
The Peace Lily

$94.95

Living Spirit Dishgarden
Living Spirit Dishgarden

$79.95

Red and White Floor Basket
Red and White Floor Basket

$89.95

Mixed flowers in a handled basket
Mixed flowers in a handled basket

$89.95

The Loving Light Dishgarden
The Loving Light Dishgarden

$79.95

Ocean Breeze Spray
Ocean Breeze Spray

$184.95

Precious Heart Bouquet
Precious Heart Bouquet

$84.95

Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket
Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket

$74.95

Sympathy Spray
Sympathy Spray

$159.95

Radiant Foliage Planter
Radiant Foliage Planter

$89.95

Heartfelt Memories
Heartfelt Memories

$94.95

Stately Croton
Stately Croton

$79.95

Medium Dish Garden
Medium Dish Garden

$99.95

Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment
Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment

$79.95

Love's Journey
Love's Journey

$84.95

Garden of Memories
Garden of Memories

$134.95

Sweet Tranquility Basket
Sweet Tranquility Basket

$89.95

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

$84.95

Tender Tribute
Tender Tribute

$129.95

Deeply Adored
Deeply Adored

$79.95

Your Light Shines
Your Light Shines

$119.95

Joyful Memory
Joyful Memory

$119.95

Heavenly Grace Spray
Heavenly Grace Spray

$189.95

Bright and Beautiful Spray
Bright and Beautiful Spray

$184.95

America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful

$74.95

Small Garden Dish
Small Garden Dish

$74.95

Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet
Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet

$169.95

Rainbow Reflections Basket
Rainbow Reflections Basket

$104.95

Splendid Memories Bouquet
Splendid Memories Bouquet

$79.95

Golden Days Basket
Golden Days Basket

$79.95

Serene Retreat
Serene Retreat

$94.95

Heavenly Heights Bouquet
Heavenly Heights Bouquet

$79.95

Heavenly & Harmony
Heavenly & Harmony

$84.95

Large Mixed Plant Dish Garden
Large Mixed Plant Dish Garden

$114.95

Dreams From the Heart Bouquet
Dreams From the Heart Bouquet

$104.95

Vivid Recollections
Vivid Recollections

$94.95

Sunny Memories
Sunny Memories

$139.95

Emerald Garden Basket
Emerald Garden Basket

$84.95

Sacred Duty Spray
Sacred Duty Spray

$184.95

French Garden
French Garden

$79.95

Celestial Love
Celestial Love

$84.95

Peace Lily
Peace Lily

$84.95

Blossoms in Vogue
Blossoms in Vogue

$84.95

Large Basket Garden
Large Basket Garden

$104.95

Lily and Rose Tribute Spray
Lily and Rose Tribute Spray

$264.95

The New Sunrise Bouquet
The New Sunrise Bouquet

$79.95

Blessings Bouquet
Blessings Bouquet

$84.95

Rays of Light Spray
Rays of Light Spray

$189.95

Eternal Peace Basket
Eternal Peace Basket

$79.95

Rose Remembrance
Rose Remembrance

$194.95

Fall Fantasia
Fall Fantasia

$84.95

Sacred Garden Spray
Sacred Garden Spray

$239.95