Mary Lou Childress

Mary Lou Childress, 101, entered into the Heavenly Kingdom during the early morning hours of Thursday (September 8, 2016) with her family by her side. Mary Lou was born on May 27, 1915 in Burke County, NC to the late William Calloway and Minnie Lee (Bumgarner) Carswell.

Mary Lou was a very hard worker who enjoyed traveling, bowling, and softball. She attended Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who truly loved her family. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, M.A. Childress; son-in-law, Paul Shipley; and 10 brothers and sisters.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Jack Childress & wife Alice; daughter, Nancy Shipley; brother, Clyde “Scrap” Carswell; six grandchildren, Beth Doran, Elaine White, Jenny Phillips, Eddie Childress, Jackie Leonard, and Lewis Barrett; nine great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends on Sunday (September 11, 2016) from noon to 2 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will immediately follow in the Chapel of East Lawn with Pastor Robert Burlingham officiating.

Committal services will be held Sunday (September 11, 2016) at 3:00 p.m. in the Garden of Apostles at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made to the Childress family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Childress family.