Theartris "Skip" Childress Jr.

Theartris Childress, Jr. was born on May 19, 1952, to Theartris Childress, Sr. and Mary Frances Hardman-Childress. On September 22, 2025, our beloved Gentle Giant affectionately known as "Skip" joined the Ancestors.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Donna Childress, his loving partner and companion, with whom he shared a life filled with joy and devotion until his transition. Skip was a devoted father to Theartris and Tanika Childress III, Sayon and Tangi Cooper, Krystal Mayes, and Holly and Gerald Taylor. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love through his 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons.

Skip was the eldest of 5 children, Beverly Childress; Michael and Margaret Childress; Howard and Tracey Childress; and was preceded in death by Carrlton Childress.

Skip never met a ceiling he could not break through. In high school, he earned recognition in Who's Who Among American High School Students in 1970. He went on to become a first-generation college graduate, earning his degree in Mathematics from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (then Maryland State) on a full football scholarship.

Continuing his academic excellence, Skip earned a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University.

Although he held distinguished leadership positions at IBM, Skip's true passion was education and service to his community. This calling led him to become an exceptional mathematics teacher and mentor, inspiring countless students and colleagues along the way.

Skip's greatest accomplishment was not found in titles or accolades, but in the boundless love he poured into his marriage, his family and the educational community he served so faithfully. His legacy of excellence, humility, and love will live on through all that were blessed to know him.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday October 3rd, 2025. Family Viewing 10:00a.m. Public Viewing 11:00a.m. Funeral Service 1:00p.m. at Memory Lane Memorial Park, 6305 W. Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point, IN.

Immediately following a repast will be located at his home, at 6045 Vermont St, Merrillville, IN.

The service will be live streamed on Facebook. Please search: Memory Lane Memorial Park. The stream will begin approximately 10 minutes before the service.

Professional Services Rendered by Powell Coleman Funeral Home. "Let Our Family Care For Your Family"