Erma Janet Burris

Erma Janet "Jan" Burris was born on August 7, 1938 in Wetumpka, Alabama to Murray Crenshaw and Nellie Ruth Eldridge Crenshaw. She moved to Indianapolis, Indiana at age 2 with her parents and older sister, Betty. She attended George W. Sloan Elementary School #41 and she was one of the first African American students to integrate Shortridge High School in 1953. She graduated from the Indianapolis Public School nursing program and received her Licensed Practical Nurse certification in May of 1958. She worked in nursing homes, hospitals, and home care for 43 years until she retired from Methodist Hospital in 2001.

Erma married the love of her life Tyrone Louis Burris on June 16, 1958. Together they were blessed with seven children. They loved to travel and visited many places together and with their children by car, plane and RV. They were married for 50 happy years until "Tykie" went to be with the Lord on August 1, 2008.

Erma gave her life to Christ in 1975 and joined Jerusalem Temple Apostolic Faith Church. She remained a faithful member there for 39 years until she joined Grace Apostolic Church in 2014. Erma loved to travel and was devoted to her family and her church. She gave regularly to several charities and enjoyed volunteering. Before her passing, Erma spoke to many of her friends and family members, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and blessed each one of them by name. She said she never thought she'd live such a long and blessed life, and that the greatest gifts she received from God were her family and friends.

Erma was called home to Jesus on January 21, 2020 in Indianapolis, at 81 years of age. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tyrone L Burris, and her sister, Betty J. Tunstell.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Community Health Network Hospice Program.

A wake in her honor will be held from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, January 31, 2020 at Jerusalem Temple Apostolic, 2125 E 54th St., Indianapolis, IN 46220. The Funeral Service will be held at 11am Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at Grace Apostolic Church, 649 22nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 with visitation held an hour prior at the church. Erma will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery following the service.