Name: Viewing for Dr. Joseph Hyram Childs
Start: 2023-04-29T17:30:00.000Z
End: 2023-04-29T18:45:00.000Z
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Dr. Joseph Hyrum Childs, beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and physician, passed away suddenly in his office on April 22, 2023, at the age of 41. He was born in Houston, Texas, on July 27, 1981, and raised as the second of six children of Roberta and Russell Childs. Joseph lived a life of service and dedication to his family, his community, and his faith.

Joseph's passing is deeply mourned by his wife of 20 years, Autumn Childs and their four children; Reigan, Elijah, Kaleb, and Finlee; his parents Roberta and Russell Childs; siblings Adam (Sarah), Benjamin (Stacey), Elizabeth Wilson (Jonathan), Nathan (Julie), and Phillip (Maren); 37 nieces and nephews; and other extended family and in-laws.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1085 S Thomas St, Tupelo, MS, with a viewing beforehand from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. The funeral will be broadcast via YouTube.com/@tupelomsstake9599. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Joseph met his beloved wife while attending BYU-Idaho. After serving a two year voluntary mission in Santiago, Chile, preaching the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, they were married for time and all eternity in the Houston Texas Temple.

Joseph earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and later completed his medical doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science at Houston. His passion for ophthalmology led him to the University of Kentucky, where he completed his residency and a fellowship in glaucoma surgery. He worked in Hattiesburg, MS, for several years before settling in Tupelo, MS, where he became a partner at Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center. In addition to being a full-time ophthalmologist, husband and father, Joseph served as the Bishop of the Tupelo congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Joseph was a devoted husband and father who loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. He also had a deep passion for fishing and bird watching. He was known for his kind and compassionate nature and his willingness to serve others. Joseph loved sharing his gifts of healing, love, compassion, and tenderness with each patient that he served. His deep faith and love of the Savior, Jesus Christ, informed every aspect of his life of ministering to his patients, friends, congregation, acquaintances, and most especially to his wife and children. He willingly and joyfully took upon himself the name and character of Jesus Christ, continuously serving and ministering to others in His holy name.

Joseph's legacy of Christ-like love, kindness, dedication, and service will continue to live on through his family, his friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

If you would like to financially contribute to the family please consider donating to the Glaucoma Research Foundation in Joseph's name.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Journal on Apr. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Childs

Sponsored by Pegues Funeral Directors - Tupelo.

7 Entries

Merle Temple

April 28, 2023

Dr. Childs was my eye surgeon. Shingles struck my right eye, and thanks to him, most of my sight in that eye was saved. He was always so patient and kind. He worked with me as the eye changed, constantly trying new eyedrops. Once there was an emergency, and I had to wait in the exam room for a long time. When he came in, he apologized and said he saw all the other patients so he could spend all the time needed to talk with me about trials with my eye. He was approachable. He inspired confidence, but he was also humble and caring. When he came into the room, he made you feel like you were the most important patient on his long list. He was caring and empathetic. He had a good sense of humor, too. I am so sorry for his family and friends. I will miss seeing him at my next visit. I am 75, and it is still hard to believe that such a young and vital man is gone. So many will miss him.

Wright Lauten

April 26, 2023

I´m still trying to wrap my head around the fact Joe is not with us anymore. Joe and I have become good friends over the last several years and shared a love for ophthalmology. Joe was not only an exceptional physician/surgeon, he was an equally good listener. He was thoughtful with his ideas, engaged, caring, empathetic, and never short on mentioning family and what motivated him. He often discussed his siblings, life tribulations, how to help and be a better person/physician, and always interested in redirecting conversation about what was going on in my life. He was special with a razor sharp mind. He will be incredibly missed and I will always feel blessed for knowing him. He´s a symbol that we should all try to be more like Joe. My heart goes out to Autumn and his 4 beautiful children.

Hassan Khalil, MD

April 26, 2023

Joe was an incredible classmate in medical school - always full of energy, always ready to learn. He was more mature than most of us, already having a full house at home when most of us were single, and yet he was one of the coolest kids at UT Medical School in Houston. His pervasive smile was contagious. Another classmate and current colleague, Matt P, told me about Joe's passing and I am still in shock. I pray for Joe, his wife and his family. Joe's legacy endures in all of our hearts. May he rest in peace.

Wanda Dillard

April 26, 2023

This man, there's not enough good words to say about him. I was so nervous when I first went to him, but he quickly put me at ease. During my surgery Tupelo was put under a tornado warning. Of course we had to wait until it passed. The entire time he laughed and talked to keep me calm. He was absolutely WONDERFUL. This has just broken my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Brenda Wilson

April 26, 2023

I met Dr Childs January of this year for the first time. At first I was kind of skeptical about having this eye surgery. Dr Childs explained everything to me and assured me that we will take care of my eyes. I saw him a week and a half ago. I was still having problems with my left eye. He promised me that my left eye will get better with time. He told me to trust in him that it will get better. And I can truly say that it has. I thank God for allowing the opportunity to meet him.

Dolly Childs Schwab

April 26, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Tracy Hubbard

April 25, 2023

I was a patient of Dr. Child's and you have my deepest sympathy. He was hands down the best Doctor I have had ever. The first time I met him I was nervous because of my eye condition, but that gift that came natural of being a humble man is what calmed me down. His "bedside manners" is off the chart if they were measured! Never experienced such great manners liked what he displayed. I always wanted to tell him that I was a local Pastor but never got the chance. He saved my eyesight in my right which was real bad when I first saw him. I truly believe he sent by God, he will truly missed, I'm praying for his wife and children.
May God's grace be with all that love him.

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