Virginia Wells Burris, (affectionately known as Mawmaw Burris) 95, of Smithdale, MS passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 5, 2023 at Camellia Estates. Virginia was born on February 20, 1928 in Amite County to Howard B. Wells and Mavis Lusk Wells. She was a member of Thompson Baptist Church.

She was a true Southern Belle who enjoyed food, fashion, socializing, and was never underdressed for the occasion (any occasion). Her favorite pastime was supporting her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in their interests.  She was a longtime member of the Business and Professional Women's Club and served on the Amite County Medical Services Board (1980-2016), the Pike Amite Walthall Library Board (1989-2018), and Southwest Mississippi Community College Alumni Board (2002-2007).

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years Julius A. Burris and a son, Wilton Wells "BB" Burris. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will always be loved, missed, and cherished.

Left to honor her legacy are her four children: John (Carol) Burris, Sissy Burris, Garland (Terri) Burris, and Gina (Bobby) Stutzman; Eight grandchildren: Jessica Burris, Charlotte Burris, John Thomas Burris, Jennifer (Jessie) Holmes, Gary (Bridget) Burris, Zach (Carlie) Stutzman, Tyler (Camri) Stutzman, and Sydney Stutzman; Seven great grandchildren: Bayleigh, Joey, and Gunner Burris, Chase and Luci Holmes, Peyton and Brooks Stutzman.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Thompson Baptist Church from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Wednesday, March 8 from 9:00 – 11:00 until services there at 11:00.  Burial will follow in Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Jim Bradford and Dr. David Millican will officiate, and Hartman Jones Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers are Gary Burris, John Thomas Burris, Jessie Holmes, Zach Stutzman, Tyler Stutzman, and Jason Edwards.

Honorary pallbearers are Larry Chambers, Alney Cook, Charles Ray Daniels, Hubert Deer, Jimmy Dykes, Robin Fenn, Kenny Gatlin, Gene Nunnery, Harry Wells, and Carl Wilson.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the employees of Camellia Estates and Hospice Compassus for their attentiveness and exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southwest Mississippi Community College, Thompson Baptist Church Youth Ministry, or Pike Amite Walthall Library.