Marlene Childs

CHILDS, Marlene Petty, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all, left this world on January 3, 2021 at 83 years old. She was born on April 28, 1937 in Dallas, Texas to Clifford and Gladys Petty and was the youngest of seven children. Growing up, the Petty kids named themselves each of the seven dwarfs, and Marlene was aptly known as “Happy,” which she exemplified throughout her life.

She always told stories of her childhood, growing up in the aftermath of the Great Depression, working as an elevator operator as a teenager and being part of the only family on her street to have a television.

At just 19 years old, a chance encounter with a gust of wind led Marlene to her soulmate, John Wayne Childs. The young couple married the day after Valentine’s Day and remained happily wedded for nearly 64 wonderful years until Marlene’s passing. Together, they shared two daughters and eight grandchildren.

Marlene effortlessly brought joy to everyone she came across—she never met a stranger. She was fondly known for her gregarious sense of humor, as well as her fun-loving spirit, kindness and generosity. She was a great cook, a gracious host and a second mother to many.

If you asked her, Marlene would say her greatest achievement was her family. She was a proud and loving wife, mother and grandmother, spending much of her time attending performances, recitals and sporting events, while also shuttling the kids to playgrounds, parks and swimming pools in the summer.

She supported her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors, often assisting them in making their dreams come true. Her heartfelt attention and devotion made everyone in her life feel important.

Marlene lived life to the fullest, always with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. Throughout the years, she and John travelled across the world, visiting France, Hawaii, Jamaica, Las Vegas and New York City, just to name a few. She is remembered as an avid tennis player at the Dallas Athletic Club in Mesquite, a successful real estate agent and an active member of the Mesquite Service League, in which she served more than 20 years.

In her free time, Marlene enjoyed shopping, playing slots and entertaining. She could often be found watching Wheel of Fortune and Judge Judy marathons, hosting bridge at her home, showing up to her grandkids’ birthdays with giant posters, capturing every special moment on one of her many disposable cameras, dressing up for holidays as Mrs. Claus or Frankenstein and making bunny cakes on Easter.

Marlene is survived by her husband John; her two children, Melinda Childs and Michelle Potter (husband Mark); and her eight grandchildren, Tiffany Turrill-Gourdin (husband Adam), John Christopher Turrill (wife Krischelle), James Cameron Turrill, Jeffrey Clayton Turrill (wife BeeBee), Brandon Jones, Chad Jones, Derek Jones and Misti Lewis (husband Cody).

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Grove Hill Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.