Chloe Madeline Childress

Chloe Childress, 18, of Houston, Texas, passed away on the 4th of July 2025, while serving as a counselor and hero at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. She spent her final days doing what she loved most—caring for and mentoring young girls while attending her tenth year at the camp she loved.

Chloe was the cherished daughter of Wendie Seale Childress and Matthew Benton Childress and the beloved sister of John “Jack” Oxford Childress. She lived a beautiful life that saturated her family and those around her with contagious joy, countless friends, unending faith and unimaginable energy.

A recent graduate of The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas, Chloe distinguished herself as an exceptional student and leader throughout her high school years. She served as Co-President of the Honor Council, reflecting her deep commitment to integrity and academic excellence. As a dedicated varsity cross country runner, cheer member and senior mentor, she consistently demonstrated perseverance, discipline, and teamwork. Perhaps most telling of her compassionate heart, Chloe founded and led the Love Our Senior Citizens Club, a testament to her compassionate spirit and desire to bridge generational gaps through meaningful service.

Chloe's commitment to service and leadership was evident through her extensive involvement in the Student Wellbeing Advisory Board, Model United Nations, Psychology Club, One Love Club, Young Alumni Committee, and Kinkaid Young Life. Her unique artistic talents were recognized through the Visual and Performing Arts Honors Program in Photography and as a recipient of multiple Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards. Chloe was also a member of the National Chinese Honor Society and was involved in the Leadership Honors Program.

Her creative spirit shined brightly through her deep love of music, whether it was admiring the brilliance of singer-songwriters, writing her own poetry and lyrics, or teaching herself to play the guitar. She shared this passion at countless concerts with the ones she loved, letting that joy come out with full force. When she wasn’t immersed in music, Chloe found just as much delight in binge-watching TV shows and diving into long, thoughtful conversations about them with her father. Chloe was passionate about traveling the world and spent the first part of the summer with friends, stamping her passport while adventuring throughout Europe.

Her athletic spirit extended beyond cross country, as she also participated in cheerleading, lacrosse, and tennis during her time at Kinkaid. Chloe's dedication to helping others was demonstrated through her volunteer work with organizations including The Brookwood Community, Houston Food Bank, Memorial Park Conservatory, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She gained valuable experience through medical internships, shadowing neurosurgeons and other specialists and attended Vanderbilt Summer Academy for academically gifted students.

Chloe was so excited to begin her freshman year at The University of Texas at Austin this fall as a proud fourth-generation Longhorn. She eagerly anticipated being pre-med and becoming a doctor, furthering her desire to be a strong, independent woman, but also selflessly helping others. In addition, she was following in her mother’s footsteps by moving into Hardin House and going through sorority rush. The opportunity to forge new friendships in Austin filled her with so much joy.

Camp Mystic held a special place in Chloe's heart. As a fourth-generation camper, M Girl, True Tonk Cheerleader and member of both Intermediate and Advanced War Canoe, Chloe attended Mystic from 3rd grade through 12th grade. She was overjoyed to return as a counselor this summer. Her passion for guiding younger generations stemmed from her deep faith and genuine love for others. She led with empathy and laughter. Her honesty gave others the courage to speak up. Her resilience helped others push through. Her joy, so present in all the little things, reminded all who knew her to keep showing up with heart.

She approached life with unwavering grace and used her gifts to uplift and encourage those around her. Her legacy of compassion, leadership, and faithful service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Chloe's radiant spirit, infectious joy, and unwavering heart touched countless lives over the course of her 18 years. Though her time on earth was far too brief, her impact will be felt for generations through the lives she touched and the love she shared. Please remember all that Chloe meant to us. May her joy, light and love live on.

Chloe is survived by her parents Wendie and Matthew Childress, brother Jack Childress, grandparents Joan and James Seale, grandparents Cile and Chuck Childress, uncle Deryl Seale and wife Allison Steiner, aunt Blake Kunetka and husband Keith, and uncle Cullen Childress and wife Lesley, along with eight beloved cousins Will Kunetka, Caroline Kunetka, George Kunetka, Lucie Kunetka, Carlisle Childress, Beth Anne Childress, Royal Seale and Tessa Seale, and precious comfort pup Rowan.

A Celebration of Life honoring Chloe Childress will be held Saturday the 12th of July at one o’clock in the afternoon at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road with a reception to follow at a location to be announced at the service.

For those unable to attend the service in person, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting “Join Livestream” icon in the service section below. While here, you may also share memories and words of comfort with the family by selecting “Add a Memory” icon below.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family wishes everyone to contribute to a newly formed Chloe Childress Memorial Endowment Fund which will benefit The Kinkaid School’s newly created Center for Wellness and Success. Checks should be made payable to The Kinkaid School with a notation to the Chloe Childress Memorial Endowment Fund and mailed to The Kinkaid School, Office of Advancement, 201 Kinkaid School Drive, Houston, Texas 77024. Information is also available for making a memorial gift online at https://www.kinkaid.org/tribute or by selecting the link under “Donations” below.