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BORN
1934
DIED
2026
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Mary Childress Obituary
May 28, 1934 - Jan 12, 2026
Mary Lou Johnson Childress, 91, passed away on January 12, 2026, at Brookstone Terrace of Thomasville. She was born on May 28, 1934, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to the late LeEtta Williams Johnson.
Mary or "LuLu" retired from AT&T, where she worked as an accountant for more than 40 years, a career marked by dedication and commitment. Outside of work, she found great joy in dancing, especially clogging, and loved spending time outdoors. Some of her happiest moments were spent swimming at the lake, enjoying nature and time with loved ones.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy Luther Childress; her daughter, Carol Barber; two grandchildren, Deana LeVan and Charlie Nichols; her brother, Herbert Johnson; and her sister, Fayrenne Binkley. She is survived by her three children: Carlos Childress, Bobbie Vineyard, and Janet Nichols; four grandchildren: Angela Ouellette, Chris Ouellette, Johnnie Vineyard, and Jason Childress; four great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to especially thank the staff of Brookstone Terrace of Thomasville and Hospice of the Piedmont for the love and care that they provided to LuLu.
The family will receive friends at Salem Funerals and Cremations Main Street Chapel on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m., followed by a service that begins at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Special Olympics Forsyth County, 2301 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Condolences may be made online at www.salemfh.com.
Salem Funeral & Cremation Service
120 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Childress
Sponsored by Salem Funerals & Cremations - Downtown.
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Libby Marion Adams
January 16, 2026
Carlos, I´m saddened to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you all in the days ahead.
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Jan
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Salem Funerals & Cremations - Downtown120 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
People and places connected with Mary
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem Journal
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