Edna Irene Christmas

Edna Irene Christmas, 80, of Lawton, OK passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022. She was born in Alamogordo, NM to Jess & Edna Oleta (Brunson) Mitchell on December 18, 1941. The family moved to El Paso, TX when she was seven years old and she remained a resident there until November 2017 when she moved to Lawton, OK to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She was a single mom who raised three shall we just say amazing children in the ‘70s the best way she knew how. She worked hard for the City of El Paso for 27 years with integrity and dedication at the Airport and City Hall, served on the El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union Board of Directors during challenging times, and she happily retired at the age of 55 years. Retired life quickly became busier the work life as she was serving the Lord in her community; she served on the El Paso Baptist Association as Treasurer for many years, as well as the Aspendale Baptist Encampment Board, various church board positions, played piano, helped with VBS, and sang in the choir. She helped other church members getting to and from doctor appointments, getting groceries, staying involved in the Women’s Missionary Union, and serving alongside her good friend Jan Hunt through a clothes closet and food distribution ministry. For a hobby, she also took up “antiquing” and, with the help of her mother, visited many estate sales and kept a consignment booth selling her many finds. While taking care of her mother during her the final years of failing health, Irene took up a new hobby: card making. In the years since then, many who knew her were blessed by receiving her little works of art on birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. We all treasure those. In Oklahoma, she quickly found a way to continue ministry by also making and sending cards to the church’s shut-in population. All who knew her loved her and were treated to the twinkle in her eye when she smiled. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, Jess & Edna O. Mitchell, her brother Jesse Neal, her infant daughter, and her former husband Bill Christmas. She is survived by her son Rick & wife Teresa Christmas (CA), her son Gary Christmas (CA), her daughter Madonna & husband Steve Kenny, her nephew Christopher Mitchell (UT), her grandchildren Randy & wife Amy (NM), Shandel & Matthew Gildon (TX), Samantha & Corey Brazenec (TX), Andrew Christmas (CA), Adyn Kenny (OK) and Andrew Kenny (OK), Tatianna Carr-Kenny (VT), and Amanda Kenny (OK). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Chloe Gildon (TX), Chaz Christmas (NM), Mia Christmas (CA), Logan Gildon (TX), Connor Brazenec (TX), Riley Brazenec (TX), and Carson Brazenec (TX). All who knew her loved her and there was never a child in our homes that she did not welcome with open arms, whether by blood, marriage, or adoption; we are all family and she loved every one. Services will be by Sunset Funeral Home on Hondo Pass in El Paso, TX. Viewing will be Monday, January 31, 2022 from 4-7PM, with a memorial service at Mountain View Baptist Church on Hondo Pass on Tuesday February 1 at 11AM and graveside services at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery following. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Edna Irene Christmas please visit our Sympathy Store.