Mrs. Childers was born on May 3rd, 1941 and raised in Silver Point Tennessee to the late Alfred Gill and Charles Fraizer Gill. She is preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Jerry Childers, U.S. Army (Ret) and her daughter, Nonna Lee Childers. She is survived by her children William (Robin) Childers and Thomas Childers; grandchildren, Caitlin (Ethan) Brown and Connor Childers; great-grandson Basil Brown; and sister Frances Lee Eldridge.
Her upbringing on a family farm instilled in her a grounded and resilient spirit that would serve her throughout her life. After graduating from Tennessee Tech in 1961 she married her college sweetheart and embarked together on a military career across the country. Despite the demands of Jerry’s three Vietnam tours and frequent relocations—over 30 in total—Mary Jane raised three children and built a home wherever they landed. She started her working career as a juvenile probation officer in the hills of Tennessee, attained a Masters of Social Work from the University of Hawaii at the age of 49, and finished as a social worker at Siskin Hospital.
Mary Jane Childers will be remembered for her enthusiasm for shopping, regularly having a pile of books by her bed, always making her grandchildren’s favorite food, and loving her family and friends deeply.
In her final years, Mary Jane was blessed with the care and companionship of the staff at Alexian Village, to whom her family extend heartfelt thanks for their compassion and kindness.
Visitation will be from 1 PM to 3 PM on Saturday, August 30th followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Chattanooga Funeral Home – North Chapel Hixson
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to the Caritas Fund 437 Alexian Way, Alexian Village TN 37377
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 5401 HWY 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
