March
21, 1932 - Jan. 17, 2010SOUTH BEND - Evelyn Hill Childress, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2010, in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by her devoted husband, children and grandchildren. Evelyn was born on March 21, 1932, to George W. Hill Sr. and Sarah Katherine (Blue) Hill in Brownsville, Tennessee. At the age of two Evelyn moved with her parents and siblings to South Bend, IN, where she graduated from Washington High School. On October 28, 1950, Evelyn was united in holy matrimony to John W. Childress Sr. To this union seven children were born. As a young woman, Evelyn accepted Christ as her personal savior. When Evelyn's youngest child began school, she enrolled at Indiana University at South Bend. She received a bachelor's and a master's degree in education and went on to become an elementary school teacher, teaching at German, Colfax, Hay, Green and Muessel Elementary Schools. Evelyn retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation in 1993. In addition to being an educator for 22 years, Evelyn was also an active member in the South Bend community. Her involvement included membership in the Eta Mu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a lifetime membership in the NAACP, as well as membership in the South Bend Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo. She also served as the State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler of the Golden Circle. Evelyn was a dedicated member of Pilgrim Baptist Church for 27 years, holding many positions of leadership. At the time of her death, Evelyn was a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Stephen Perkins. Evelyn's mother and father, sister, Verneal Leonard, and brother, Robert Hill, preceded her in death. In addition to her beloved husband, John, Evelyn leaves to forever cherish her memory her seven children, John Childress Jr., Ronald (Krystal) Childress Sr., Sharla Childress-Anderson, Jacqueline Childress-Mitchell, Kevin Childress, Dana Childress-Jones and Bryan (Brenda) Childress; her 11 loving grandchildren, Torlando (Suzette) Childress, Ronald Childress Jr., Anthony Childress, Shanice Anderson, Kalyn Childress, Kei (MaKeisha) Childress, John Trotter, GeDa' Jones, Lauren Mitchell, Edwin Perkins and Jaila Childress; as well as her six great-grandchildren. Evelyn is also survived by her siblings, Rose Ann Austin, Josie Thompson, Patricia Washington, George W. Hill Jr., Betty Childress and Donald Hill; her special extended family, Edward and Lena Perkins; as well as a vast number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Evelyn Hill Childress was a true inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She will be forever missed. Visitation at 11:00 AM to 12 noon Saturday, January 23, 2010; service at noon Saturday, January 23, 2010, in Faith Baptist Church, 1002 Blaine Avenue, South Bend, IN 46616 - (574) 233-6428. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where bereavement messages may be e-mailed to alfordsmortuary@comcast.net, c/o the Childress family.