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Anita Childress Obituary
Anita Gaye Hooton Childress, 71, of Tennessee, formerly of Denton, passed away on July 29, 2016 in Franklin, Tennessee. She was born on March 29, 1945 in St. Louis, Mo. to Glyn Bowers Hooton and Lottie Echal (Gramling) Hooton.
She attended Nettleton Elementary School, Nettleton, AR; East Elementary, Jonesboro, AR;Junior High School: Annie Camp Junior High School, Jonesboro, AR;High School: Jonesboro High School, Jonesboro, AR; Lovington High School, Lovington, NM;Undergraduate: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM; Alaska Methodist University, Anchorage, AK; Masters Degree: University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Gaye lived in Denton, TX, from 1974-2009 (35 years). Gaye taught ESL to international students at the University of North Texas for almost 30 years. She was a master teacher and mentor to many. She loved her students and had a passion for teaching. Gaye loved her family very much. She adored her granddaughters, Madeleine and Jacqueline. She was proud to be their Grammy.
She enjoyed reading, poetry, writing, crochet, knitting, spending time with family and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Amy D'Lene (Childress) Bradford and her husband, Brian of Spring Hill, TN., her grandchildren, Madeleine Grace and Jacqueline Faith Bradford of Spring Hill, TN. Sister, Jane Hooton Townsend and husband Paul of Denton, brother, Vance Hooton and wife, Barbara of Kapolei, HI, Niece and nephews; Todd Culley and wife Belinda of Salado, Tx. Brent Culley and wife, Mary of Denton, Tx., Sarah Hooton Sather and husband Michael of Vista, Ca; and Casey Hooton of Kapolei, HI.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father.
The family will receive friends at DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America
322 Eight Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Please note: In memory of Anita Gaye Childress
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Memories and Condolences
for Anita Childress
Sponsored by Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton.
5 Entries
Janet Rogal
August 6, 2016
With condolences to Gaye's family from one of the many ESL instructors she mentored. I will always remember Gaye as one of the pillars of IELI at the University of North Texas, a very successful program that she helped to shape. Her kindness and devotion to instructors and students alike gave us all a feeling of confidence. I most admired her for her creativity and selflessness, but above all she was devoted to both her job and her family. I can imagine her lovely soft voice, sweet smile, and see her students carrying her books to her office to show their deep respect for her. She touched so many of our lives in so many ways and will always be remembered.
Jackie Griffin
August 5, 2016
Gaye will be missed by so many whose lives she touched. Gaye and I were colleagues and close friends for many years. She was so incredibly smart, and so very witty and fun. And she was there in the fun times and strong support in the tough times. She touched the hearts of so many of her students whom she loved and respected. I will think of you often my soul sister. Much love to her family in these days.
Kate O'Hanlon
August 4, 2016
With deep sadness in the loss of our beloved colleague and deeper gratitude for what she gave us--time, patience, creativity, affection, goodwill, whimsy and an unforgettable voice and way of laughing. You were a bright light for thousands of us, Gaye, and we will carry it within us always and pass it on.
August 4, 2016
Gaye was such a wonderful lady, mother and grammy, hugs, love you Amy.
Bill DeBerry and Bill DeBerry Jr.
August 4, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Memorial Events
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Aug
6
Visitation
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton2025 West University, Denton, TX 76201
Funeral services provided by:
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton2025 West University, Denton, TX 76201
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