Obituary Announcing the Memorial on August 22, 2020
Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away at her home Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A memorial service will be Saturday, August 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Henderson church of Christ. Visitation with the family will be 9:00-12:00 prior to the service. Carole was born on September 6, 1946. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, and they were married almost 56 years. For over fifty years, Carole was the epitome of a preacher's wife. She was a special education teacher, and a pre-school teacher and director. Carole spoke at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. Carole loved to exercise and was an avid walker. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise classes at the Henderson church of Christ. Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates and was a member for over forty years. She served as president of the Chester County chapel three different times. In 2018, she was selected National president of the Associates and was president at the time of her death. Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom Childers of Henderson; daughters, Leah Beaver of Henderson, Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Anna Beth and Trace Beaver of Henderson, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek. She is also survived by three nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill and Doris Day; an infant son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Day. Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the FHU Matching Scholarship Fund, Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson 731-989-2421
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Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A Celebration of her life with her friends, family, including her Freed-Hardeman and church family will be held at a later date. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson – Crook Avenue is in charge of arrangements.
Anna Carole Day Childers was born on September 6, 1946, in Ripley, Mississippi. In 1964, she graduated from the Ripley High School. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, at the church building of the Beech Hill church near Ripley, Mississippi.
In 1966-68, Carole worked in the mailroom at Freed-Hardeman College while supporting her husband who was a Bible major. She attended FHC and Woods Jr. College in Mathiston, Mississippi. She served as preacher's wife and Bible teacher of children for churches of Christ in Mathiston and Smithville, Mississippi, Bawcomville near West Monroe, Louisiana, Vernon, Alabama, Bolivar, Tennessee, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Alamo, Tennessee, Edgewood in Columbus, Georgia, Ripley, Mississippi, Southside in Dresden, Tennessee, New Hope near Middleton, Tennessee, and Finger, Tennessee.
While in Alamo, Tennessee, she was a special education teacher. For nearly ten years, she served as a pre-school teacher and director of the Rainbow School at the Ripley church of Christ in Ripley, Mississippi. She has spoken at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at annual Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. She would talk and sing to babies and toddlers and hold their attention for 20-30 minutes at a time.
In 1996, Carole was selected as "Honorary Gracious Lady of Georgia." This annual event honored gracious women from the state of Georgia who contributed to their community. Former First Lady Roseline Carter was one of the distinguished members.
For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. She memorized almost every telephone number on campus and seldom had to look up a number. Some days, she would have over 500 calls, answering three different phone lines. She was a helping hand to FHU faculty, students, and staff. She was a counselor, advisor, confiding friend to many of the students who would pour their hearts out to her. She retired in 2017 but came back occasionally to fill-in for Marg Mitchell who was her assistant and close friends for many years.
Carole was an immaculate housekeeper. She took pride in her house inside and out. She took pride in the food she cooked; making it not only healthy and tasty but very appealing. She took pride in her appearance. Her wardrobe may have appeared to some as being extravagant, but she never paid full price for her clothing, often finding bargains up to 80% off. Most people thought she was 20 years younger than she really was. She was kind, thoughtful, and always serving others. At every family meal, she was the last one to sit down and eat. Even then, she was always getting up and helping the grandchildren and serving others. She was a gracious lady, gracious even in her death.
Carole was an avid walker and loved to exercise. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise and yoga classes each Monday and Friday at the Henderson church of Christ.
When Carole was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on February 19, 2019, she decided to opt-out of chemotherapy and pursued a holistic approach for treatment. She followed a regiment of a whole-food, plant-based diet, with thirty minutes of sunshine each day, stress management, and lots of sleep. She remained strong and very active until just a few weeks before her death.
Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates. She was a member for over forty years. For the Chester County Associates Chapter, she served as president three different times and secretary for one year. In 2018, she was selected to serve a two-year term as president of the National Associates and was serving at the time of her death. For over fifteen years, she was chairman of the booths at the FHU Homecoming each year. She enjoyed going to local merchants and asking for donations or items to be sold at the Silent Auction. Very few people ever said no to such a gracious lady with a beautiful smile.
Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom L. Childers of Henderson, Tennessee; daughters, Leah Childers Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee and Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, Mississippi, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Tennessee, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee, Anna Beth Beaver and Trace Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee. Her grandchildren affectionally called her "Nana." They all loved her cooking, her special treats, and individual attention.
Carole is also survived by nieces, Lisa (Jeff) Sweet and Anglia (Jamie) Payne of Hernando, Mississippi, Lesley (Jon) Congdon of Gainesville, Georgia, and nephews, Jody (Emily) Wallis of Edmonds, Washington and Bryon (Gina) Day of Gainesville, Georgia. Great nieces and nephews who survive her are: Kaitley, Ellie, and Brinson Congdon; Davis, Clara and Gracie Day, Andrew and Olivia Sweat, and Avery Payne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill Lawson Day and Doris Marilyn Shelton, a son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Lawson Day.
A special thanks to the medical professional team who helped Carole on her journey of battling cancer: Scott Miskelly with Main Street Family Medicine of Henderson; Dr. Shannon Bone of Advanced Rehab & Medical of Jackson; Dr. Paul Goldberg and Dr. David Tener of Goldberg Clinic of Kennesaw, Georgia; and Hospice of West Tennessee.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the Finger Church FHU Matching Scholarship Fund of the Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.shacklefordfuneraldirectors.com.
Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away at her home Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A memorial service will be Saturday, August 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Henderson church of Christ. Visitation with the family will be 9:00-12:00 prior to the service. Carole was born on September 6, 1946. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, and they were married almost 56 years. For over fifty years, Carole was the epitome of a preacher's wife. She was a special education teacher, and a pre-school teacher and director. Carole spoke at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. Carole loved to exercise and was an avid walker. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise classes at the Henderson church of Christ. Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates and was a member for over forty years. She served as president of the Chester County chapel three different times. In 2018, she was selected National president of the Associates and was president at the time of her death. Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom Childers of Henderson; daughters, Leah Beaver of Henderson, Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Anna Beth and Trace Beaver of Henderson, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek. She is also survived by three nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill and Doris Day; an infant son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Day. Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the FHU Matching Scholarship Fund, Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson 731-989-2421
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Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A Celebration of her life with her friends, family, including her Freed-Hardeman and church family will be held at a later date. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson – Crook Avenue is in charge of arrangements.
Anna Carole Day Childers was born on September 6, 1946, in Ripley, Mississippi. In 1964, she graduated from the Ripley High School. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, at the church building of the Beech Hill church near Ripley, Mississippi.
In 1966-68, Carole worked in the mailroom at Freed-Hardeman College while supporting her husband who was a Bible major. She attended FHC and Woods Jr. College in Mathiston, Mississippi. She served as preacher's wife and Bible teacher of children for churches of Christ in Mathiston and Smithville, Mississippi, Bawcomville near West Monroe, Louisiana, Vernon, Alabama, Bolivar, Tennessee, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Alamo, Tennessee, Edgewood in Columbus, Georgia, Ripley, Mississippi, Southside in Dresden, Tennessee, New Hope near Middleton, Tennessee, and Finger, Tennessee.
While in Alamo, Tennessee, she was a special education teacher. For nearly ten years, she served as a pre-school teacher and director of the Rainbow School at the Ripley church of Christ in Ripley, Mississippi. She has spoken at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at annual Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. She would talk and sing to babies and toddlers and hold their attention for 20-30 minutes at a time.
In 1996, Carole was selected as "Honorary Gracious Lady of Georgia." This annual event honored gracious women from the state of Georgia who contributed to their community. Former First Lady Roseline Carter was one of the distinguished members.
For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. She memorized almost every telephone number on campus and seldom had to look up a number. Some days, she would have over 500 calls, answering three different phone lines. She was a helping hand to FHU faculty, students, and staff. She was a counselor, advisor, confiding friend to many of the students who would pour their hearts out to her. She retired in 2017 but came back occasionally to fill-in for Marg Mitchell who was her assistant and close friends for many years.
Carole was an immaculate housekeeper. She took pride in her house inside and out. She took pride in the food she cooked; making it not only healthy and tasty but very appealing. She took pride in her appearance. Her wardrobe may have appeared to some as being extravagant, but she never paid full price for her clothing, often finding bargains up to 80% off. Most people thought she was 20 years younger than she really was. She was kind, thoughtful, and always serving others. At every family meal, she was the last one to sit down and eat. Even then, she was always getting up and helping the grandchildren and serving others. She was a gracious lady, gracious even in her death.
Carole was an avid walker and loved to exercise. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise and yoga classes each Monday and Friday at the Henderson church of Christ.
When Carole was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on February 19, 2019, she decided to opt-out of chemotherapy and pursued a holistic approach for treatment. She followed a regiment of a whole-food, plant-based diet, with thirty minutes of sunshine each day, stress management, and lots of sleep. She remained strong and very active until just a few weeks before her death.
Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates. She was a member for over forty years. For the Chester County Associates Chapter, she served as president three different times and secretary for one year. In 2018, she was selected to serve a two-year term as president of the National Associates and was serving at the time of her death. For over fifteen years, she was chairman of the booths at the FHU Homecoming each year. She enjoyed going to local merchants and asking for donations or items to be sold at the Silent Auction. Very few people ever said no to such a gracious lady with a beautiful smile.
Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom L. Childers of Henderson, Tennessee; daughters, Leah Childers Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee and Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, Mississippi, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Tennessee, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee, Anna Beth Beaver and Trace Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee. Her grandchildren affectionally called her "Nana." They all loved her cooking, her special treats, and individual attention.
Carole is also survived by nieces, Lisa (Jeff) Sweet and Anglia (Jamie) Payne of Hernando, Mississippi, Lesley (Jon) Congdon of Gainesville, Georgia, and nephews, Jody (Emily) Wallis of Edmonds, Washington and Bryon (Gina) Day of Gainesville, Georgia. Great nieces and nephews who survive her are: Kaitley, Ellie, and Brinson Congdon; Davis, Clara and Gracie Day, Andrew and Olivia Sweat, and Avery Payne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill Lawson Day and Doris Marilyn Shelton, a son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Lawson Day.
A special thanks to the medical professional team who helped Carole on her journey of battling cancer: Scott Miskelly with Main Street Family Medicine of Henderson; Dr. Shannon Bone of Advanced Rehab & Medical of Jackson; Dr. Paul Goldberg and Dr. David Tener of Goldberg Clinic of Kennesaw, Georgia; and Hospice of West Tennessee.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the Finger Church FHU Matching Scholarship Fund of the Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.shacklefordfuneraldirectors.com.
Obituary Announcing the Memorial on August 22, 2020
Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away at her home Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A memorial service will be Saturday, August 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Henderson church of Christ. Visitation with the family will be 9:00-12:00 prior to the service. Carole was born on September 6, 1946. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, and they were married almost 56 years. For over fifty years, Carole was the epitome of a preacher's wife. She was a special education teacher, and a pre-school teacher and director. Carole spoke at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. Carole loved to exercise and was an avid walker. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise classes at the Henderson church of Christ. Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates and was a member for over forty years. She served as president of the Chester County chapel three different times. In 2018, she was selected National president of the Associates and was president at the time of her death. Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom Childers of Henderson; daughters, Leah Beaver of Henderson, Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Anna Beth and Trace Beaver of Henderson, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek. She is also survived by three nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill and Doris Day; an infant son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Day. Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the FHU Matching Scholarship Fund, Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson 731-989-2421
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Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A Celebration of her life with her friends, family, including her Freed-Hardeman and church family will be held at a later date. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson – Crook Avenue is in charge of arrangements.
Anna Carole Day Childers was born on September 6, 1946, in Ripley, Mississippi. In 1964, she graduated from the Ripley High School. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, at the church building of the Beech Hill church near Ripley, Mississippi.
In 1966-68, Carole worked in the mailroom at Freed-Hardeman College while supporting her husband who was a Bible major. She attended FHC and Woods Jr. College in Mathiston, Mississippi. She served as preacher's wife and Bible teacher of children for churches of Christ in Mathiston and Smithville, Mississippi, Bawcomville near West Monroe, Louisiana, Vernon, Alabama, Bolivar, Tennessee, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Alamo, Tennessee, Edgewood in Columbus, Georgia, Ripley, Mississippi, Southside in Dresden, Tennessee, New Hope near Middleton, Tennessee, and Finger, Tennessee.
While in Alamo, Tennessee, she was a special education teacher. For nearly ten years, she served as a pre-school teacher and director of the Rainbow School at the Ripley church of Christ in Ripley, Mississippi. She has spoken at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at annual Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. She would talk and sing to babies and toddlers and hold their attention for 20-30 minutes at a time.
In 1996, Carole was selected as "Honorary Gracious Lady of Georgia." This annual event honored gracious women from the state of Georgia who contributed to their community. Former First Lady Roseline Carter was one of the distinguished members.
For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. She memorized almost every telephone number on campus and seldom had to look up a number. Some days, she would have over 500 calls, answering three different phone lines. She was a helping hand to FHU faculty, students, and staff. She was a counselor, advisor, confiding friend to many of the students who would pour their hearts out to her. She retired in 2017 but came back occasionally to fill-in for Marg Mitchell who was her assistant and close friends for many years.
Carole was an immaculate housekeeper. She took pride in her house inside and out. She took pride in the food she cooked; making it not only healthy and tasty but very appealing. She took pride in her appearance. Her wardrobe may have appeared to some as being extravagant, but she never paid full price for her clothing, often finding bargains up to 80% off. Most people thought she was 20 years younger than she really was. She was kind, thoughtful, and always serving others. At every family meal, she was the last one to sit down and eat. Even then, she was always getting up and helping the grandchildren and serving others. She was a gracious lady, gracious even in her death.
Carole was an avid walker and loved to exercise. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise and yoga classes each Monday and Friday at the Henderson church of Christ.
When Carole was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on February 19, 2019, she decided to opt-out of chemotherapy and pursued a holistic approach for treatment. She followed a regiment of a whole-food, plant-based diet, with thirty minutes of sunshine each day, stress management, and lots of sleep. She remained strong and very active until just a few weeks before her death.
Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates. She was a member for over forty years. For the Chester County Associates Chapter, she served as president three different times and secretary for one year. In 2018, she was selected to serve a two-year term as president of the National Associates and was serving at the time of her death. For over fifteen years, she was chairman of the booths at the FHU Homecoming each year. She enjoyed going to local merchants and asking for donations or items to be sold at the Silent Auction. Very few people ever said no to such a gracious lady with a beautiful smile.
Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom L. Childers of Henderson, Tennessee; daughters, Leah Childers Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee and Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, Mississippi, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Tennessee, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee, Anna Beth Beaver and Trace Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee. Her grandchildren affectionally called her "Nana." They all loved her cooking, her special treats, and individual attention.
Carole is also survived by nieces, Lisa (Jeff) Sweet and Anglia (Jamie) Payne of Hernando, Mississippi, Lesley (Jon) Congdon of Gainesville, Georgia, and nephews, Jody (Emily) Wallis of Edmonds, Washington and Bryon (Gina) Day of Gainesville, Georgia. Great nieces and nephews who survive her are: Kaitley, Ellie, and Brinson Congdon; Davis, Clara and Gracie Day, Andrew and Olivia Sweat, and Avery Payne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill Lawson Day and Doris Marilyn Shelton, a son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Lawson Day.
A special thanks to the medical professional team who helped Carole on her journey of battling cancer: Scott Miskelly with Main Street Family Medicine of Henderson; Dr. Shannon Bone of Advanced Rehab & Medical of Jackson; Dr. Paul Goldberg and Dr. David Tener of Goldberg Clinic of Kennesaw, Georgia; and Hospice of West Tennessee.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the Finger Church FHU Matching Scholarship Fund of the Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.shacklefordfuneraldirectors.com.
Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away at her home Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A memorial service will be Saturday, August 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Henderson church of Christ. Visitation with the family will be 9:00-12:00 prior to the service. Carole was born on September 6, 1946. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, and they were married almost 56 years. For over fifty years, Carole was the epitome of a preacher's wife. She was a special education teacher, and a pre-school teacher and director. Carole spoke at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. Carole loved to exercise and was an avid walker. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise classes at the Henderson church of Christ. Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates and was a member for over forty years. She served as president of the Chester County chapel three different times. In 2018, she was selected National president of the Associates and was president at the time of her death. Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom Childers of Henderson; daughters, Leah Beaver of Henderson, Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Anna Beth and Trace Beaver of Henderson, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek. She is also survived by three nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill and Doris Day; an infant son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Day. Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the FHU Matching Scholarship Fund, Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson 731-989-2421
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Carole Childers, 73, of Henderson, Tennessee, passed away Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. A Celebration of her life with her friends, family, including her Freed-Hardeman and church family will be held at a later date. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson – Crook Avenue is in charge of arrangements.
Anna Carole Day Childers was born on September 6, 1946, in Ripley, Mississippi. In 1964, she graduated from the Ripley High School. She married Tom Childers on May 30, 1964, at the church building of the Beech Hill church near Ripley, Mississippi.
In 1966-68, Carole worked in the mailroom at Freed-Hardeman College while supporting her husband who was a Bible major. She attended FHC and Woods Jr. College in Mathiston, Mississippi. She served as preacher's wife and Bible teacher of children for churches of Christ in Mathiston and Smithville, Mississippi, Bawcomville near West Monroe, Louisiana, Vernon, Alabama, Bolivar, Tennessee, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Alamo, Tennessee, Edgewood in Columbus, Georgia, Ripley, Mississippi, Southside in Dresden, Tennessee, New Hope near Middleton, Tennessee, and Finger, Tennessee.
While in Alamo, Tennessee, she was a special education teacher. For nearly ten years, she served as a pre-school teacher and director of the Rainbow School at the Ripley church of Christ in Ripley, Mississippi. She has spoken at Ladies Days, Teachers' Workshop, and women's classes at annual Bible lectureships. She specialized in teaching Cradle Roll classes. She would talk and sing to babies and toddlers and hold their attention for 20-30 minutes at a time.
In 1996, Carole was selected as "Honorary Gracious Lady of Georgia." This annual event honored gracious women from the state of Georgia who contributed to their community. Former First Lady Roseline Carter was one of the distinguished members.
For over sixteen years, Carole Childers was "the voice of Freed-Hardeman University" servicing as the switch-board operator and Welcome Center Coordinator. She memorized almost every telephone number on campus and seldom had to look up a number. Some days, she would have over 500 calls, answering three different phone lines. She was a helping hand to FHU faculty, students, and staff. She was a counselor, advisor, confiding friend to many of the students who would pour their hearts out to her. She retired in 2017 but came back occasionally to fill-in for Marg Mitchell who was her assistant and close friends for many years.
Carole was an immaculate housekeeper. She took pride in her house inside and out. She took pride in the food she cooked; making it not only healthy and tasty but very appealing. She took pride in her appearance. Her wardrobe may have appeared to some as being extravagant, but she never paid full price for her clothing, often finding bargains up to 80% off. Most people thought she was 20 years younger than she really was. She was kind, thoughtful, and always serving others. At every family meal, she was the last one to sit down and eat. Even then, she was always getting up and helping the grandchildren and serving others. She was a gracious lady, gracious even in her death.
Carole was an avid walker and loved to exercise. She taught water aerobics in Bader Gym's swimming pool for many years. Later, she instructed low impact exercise and yoga classes each Monday and Friday at the Henderson church of Christ.
When Carole was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on February 19, 2019, she decided to opt-out of chemotherapy and pursued a holistic approach for treatment. She followed a regiment of a whole-food, plant-based diet, with thirty minutes of sunshine each day, stress management, and lots of sleep. She remained strong and very active until just a few weeks before her death.
Carole had a great compassion for the Freed-Hardeman Associates. She was a member for over forty years. For the Chester County Associates Chapter, she served as president three different times and secretary for one year. In 2018, she was selected to serve a two-year term as president of the National Associates and was serving at the time of her death. For over fifteen years, she was chairman of the booths at the FHU Homecoming each year. She enjoyed going to local merchants and asking for donations or items to be sold at the Silent Auction. Very few people ever said no to such a gracious lady with a beautiful smile.
Carole Childers leaves behind her husband, Tom L. Childers of Henderson, Tennessee; daughters, Leah Childers Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee and Jenny (Rob) Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee; son, Tim (LeeAnn) Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee; sister, Sharon (Tommy) Simmons of Hernando, Mississippi, and seven grandchildren: Zach (Lauren) Johnson of Pulaski, Tennessee, Zane and Zoe Johnson of Columbia, Tennessee, Anna Beth Beaver and Trace Beaver of Henderson, Tennessee, and Sadie and Taylor Childers of Jacks Creek, Tennessee. Her grandchildren affectionally called her "Nana." They all loved her cooking, her special treats, and individual attention.
Carole is also survived by nieces, Lisa (Jeff) Sweet and Anglia (Jamie) Payne of Hernando, Mississippi, Lesley (Jon) Congdon of Gainesville, Georgia, and nephews, Jody (Emily) Wallis of Edmonds, Washington and Bryon (Gina) Day of Gainesville, Georgia. Great nieces and nephews who survive her are: Kaitley, Ellie, and Brinson Congdon; Davis, Clara and Gracie Day, Andrew and Olivia Sweat, and Avery Payne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Waitstill Lawson Day and Doris Marilyn Shelton, a son, Kevin Mark Childers; a brother, David Lawson Day.
A special thanks to the medical professional team who helped Carole on her journey of battling cancer: Scott Miskelly with Main Street Family Medicine of Henderson; Dr. Shannon Bone of Advanced Rehab & Medical of Jackson; Dr. Paul Goldberg and Dr. David Tener of Goldberg Clinic of Kennesaw, Georgia; and Hospice of West Tennessee.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Freed-Hardeman University Associates, 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, Tennessee 38340, or the Finger Church FHU Matching Scholarship Fund of the Finger church of Christ, P. O. Box 37, Finger, Tennessee 38334. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.shacklefordfuneraldirectors.com.
