Ellene Vicars Childers

Surviving her death are her sister, Pam Wohlford; her devoted son-in-law, Harry Lee McKinney Jr.; her grandchildren, John Simpkins; Julie Simpkins; Mary McKinney; HK McKinney (Rebecca Morgan); and her beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Milton Childers Jr.; daughters, Vicky McKinney and Suella Simpkins; son-in-law Dan Simpkins; brothers, Hubert and Bob Vicars; sister, Oma Armstrong; and parents Don and Ethel Vicars. 

Ellene was born in Pike County, Kentucky. She spent most of her life in Kentucky where she met her husband and raised her two daughters. She and her family later moved to southwest Virginia where her daughters met their husbands and established families of their own; and where Ellene joyfully welcomed and loved her four grandchildren and watched them grow up. She was beloved by members of her community and affectionately known as “Miss Marvelous” by many of her caregivers—not only for her vibrant spirit, but for her signature reply, “Maahvlous!”—drawn out with flair and warmth whenever someone shared something delightful or surprising.

She enjoyed playing board games and bingo with friends and family. Ellene loved to shop and was an expert at finding a deal even when an item wasn’t on sale. As a great storyteller, she could always captivate an audience, and one could never leave a visit with her without receiving a special gift or memento. She will undoubtedly be remembered for her remarkable strength and determination to overcome and survive life’s hardest moments.

Her light will leave a lasting impact on the people who knew and loved her. A private service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh, NC at a future date.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Childers family.