Burruss, Louise Thornton (Age 76) of La Plata, Maryland.

After a long illness, Louise Thornton Burruss peacefully and quietly departed this life on Monday, January 8, 2013, at the Hospice of Charles County in Waldorf, Maryland.

Louise was born on December 6, 1936, in Edison, Georgia to the late Eddie Ralph and Gurlie Mae Thornton. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Fred and Eddie R. Thornton Jr.

Louise began her formal education in Edison, Georgia. In 1946, the family moved to Cuthbert, Georgia where she enrolled at the Randolph County Training School, graduating in 1955, with a high school diploma. In 1958, the family moved to Albany, Georgia, where she met and married the late Ernest Dukes. From this union, one son was born, her pride and joy, James Antonio "Tony" Dukes. In 1968, Louise moved to Washington, D.C. where she met and married the late Charles Burruss.

With a heart towards care giving, Louise decided to pursue a career in nursing. She attended and graduated from Burdick Vocational School of Practical Nursing as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). During her career, Louise worked at George Washington University Hospital, Washington Metropolitan Hospital, D.C. General Hospital, Cafritz Memorial Hospital, and the Washington Nursing Center where she completed her career. After an outstanding career in nursing, Louise retired in 2005. After retirement, she returned to her beloved Albany, Georgia where she remained until her illness in 2011. In 2011, she relocated to Washington, D.C. with Tony so he could provide and care for her.

Louise's life was devoted to nurturing others and revolved around God, family and friends. For several years she was a devoted member of the Church of the Great Commission of Camp Springs, Maryland. After returning to the Metropolitan D.C. area Louise became a member of the Great Kingdom Church in District Heights, Maryland, pastored by Bishop David T.P. Parrin, Senior Pastor. She served the church faithfully and was renowned for decorating and beautifying the worship center at the church. Louise's mission was to serve the Lord and to live her life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Louise is survived by her son James A. (Tony) Dukes; two sisters, Edie Mae Moxley of District Heights, Maryland and Rebecca Young of Augusta, Georgia; five brothers, Hubbard and Walter Thornton of Washington, D.C. and Frank, Joseph, and Morris Thornton of Albany, Georgia; one aunt, Rosa Bell Favors of Orlando, Florid; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.


Viewing, 1pm to 3pm , Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Christ Kingdom Church, 6809 District Heights Parkway, District Heights, Maryland 20747. Services and Interment, Tuesday, January 15, 2013 in Georgia. Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland and COLLINS Funeral Home, 109 Pine Street, NE, Edison, Georgia 39846. (229) 835-2422