Judith (Keates) Childs

Judith has reunited with her one true love, her husband John Childs, and her beloved son, Rodney. She is survived by her daughter, Clare Childs, and son-in-law Don Davies, with whom she shared a home for the last eight years. Judith also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Karissa and Wesley Childs, and Rose Tichava, as well as her daughter-in-law, Linda Childs, and nephews Alun (Deborah) Childs and Neil (Lynda) Childs.

Judith and John first met at St. Peter's and St. Paul’s parish hall during a Saturday night dance, beginning a love story that would shape their lives. The couple married on October 19th, 1957, and together raised two children, Rodney and Clare.

In 1977, Judith, John, and family moved from England to the United States, initially settling in Tiffin, Ohio. After a brief stay, they found a home in Sherman, Texas, where they lived until John’s passing in 1989 due to an auto accident. Several years later, Judith moved to Illinois to be closer to her grandchildren.

Judith devoted many years to her work as a bank teller, and she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. After relocating to Illinois, she built lasting friendships, especially with Janet, Carol, and Jo, whom she met through the YMCA aquasize class she attended for years. Judith enjoyed sharing her home with many dogs over the years, loved tending to her flower garden, and found joy in knitting.

In 2018, Judith, Clare, and Don moved to Fall Branch, Tennessee, where they embraced the local community and the beauty of the mountains. They became active members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kingsport, taking part in many church activities and forging new connections.

A memorial service to honor Judith's memory will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 161 E. Ravine St., Kingsport, TN. A reception will follow at St. Paul's Episcopal.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the food pantry at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

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