Edna Childs

On November 29, 1935, Edna Earl Irvin was born. She was a joy and blessing at birth for her parents Gertrude Taylor Irvin and Edward Irvin, who both preceded her in death. She was the eighth child born to this union in Waco, Texas. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Bennie Lee Irvin, Edward Irvin, Jr., Aubrey Irvin, Louise Harden, Verdie Grayson, Gertie Moore, Bobby Irvin, Donna Irvin and Florence Harwell.

Edna accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at a young age and continued to exemplify this acceptance throughout her life's journey as a devout Christian and servant of the Lord.

She matriculated through the Waco, Texas School System where she graduated from Moore High School in 1954.

On this journey, she met, fell in love, and married Walker Charles Childs, who preceded her in death. To this union five children were born: Marian Childs (who preceded her in death), Charlotte Childs, Linda Childs Bell, Teresa Hanks (Charles), and Walker Childs, Jr. She had 10 grandchildren, Christie, Tabetha, Harrell, Rodney, Shonda, Nekesha, Jasmine, Trevin, Dedrick, Elisha and sixteen great-grandchildren. She leaves to mourn a dedicated brother in law, John L. Childs, a dear friend Elnora Pittman-Sullivan, The Wilson Family, and a host of other friends and relatives.

In 1955, she and the late W.C. moved to Dallas to begin a new life as husband and wife. They joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in 1956 under the leadership of Pastor S.G. Gooden where they were faithful and diligent members who actively held leadership positions with many auxiliaries. Edna served as president of the S.G. Gooden Inspirational Choir, Deaconess Board, Women's Mission, and Sunday School. In 1996, she was nominated as "Woman of the Year."

She worked many years as a Day Laborer. She also volunteered and enjoyed serving with organizations within her community such as serving the homeless, working the voting polls and president of her Neighborhood Watch Association.

"Aint Nearl or "Grandmama" to most, loved, cared and gave her everything to her family or anyone she considered family. She was the nucleus to our family and made sure that her love for God shone through not just in words but also in deed. She never met a stranger and would always lend a helping hand or make sure no one was hungry. She enjoyed completing puzzles, singing, cooking, decorating, and baking.

On July 24, 2020, God opened the gates of Heaven, took her hand, walked her in and welcomed her to join Him in Eternity. "Well done thy good and faithful servant!"