Connie Jean Childers

1945 - 2025

Connie Jean Childers

Aug 6, 1945 - Oct 28, 2025

Connie Jean Childers, 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28 in Tulsa, Okla. Born on August 6, 1945, in Montebello, Calif. to Audra and V. R. "Arkie" Wallin, mechanic who built aircraft for the war effort. Connie's father joked that he lost his job the day his daughter was born, as it was the same day as the bombing of Hiroshima that essentially ended WWII. Over the next few years, the family grew with the addition of her sisters Betty and Patty, and the Wallins relocated to Tulsa when Connie was in kindergarten. Connie attended Hoover Elementary, Whitney Junior High and she graduated from newly opened Nathan Hale High School in 1963. It was at Hale that she met the love of her life, Sam Childers. They married at her parents' home in January 1964, and the following year she and Sam grieved the unimaginable death of their infant daughter Audra Dell.

Connie and Sam's love story was one for the ages. They were "SamandConnie", one word; and they did everything together. By 1966, their family had grown to four, with the addition of sons Sammy and Scott. Connie's life revolved around them. In the summertime, nearly every weekend was spent camping and fishing at the lake. In the fall and spring, it was PTA, homeroom mother, den mother and carpools. A talented artist early on, she discovered ceramics in the 1970s and began giving lessons out of "The Ceramic Shop" at their longtime home on Darlington. Sam built and equipped a special room behind the house with two kilns where she created delightful works she shared with everyone.

In 1978, her family became complete with the birth of their daughter Stacey. Connie had a second go-around as "Mom," this time volunteering with Camp Fire and attending softball games and cheerleading competitions. Connie's deep love for her family extended beyond her own children. After the boys left for college, she discovered a new calling; working with special needs kids. She became a paraprofessional with Tulsa Public Schools and especially loved working with deaf children. Connie was deeply devoted to her parents and sisters as well as her extended family of cousins, nephews and nieces with whom she remained close. It was her role as "Granny" and "Nooie" to her four grandsons, Austin, Parker, Matthew and Jake that she loved the most. Both Sam and Connie lit up when they were in the presence of the boys. They were bright lights who could do absolutely no wrong in her eyes.

The door of the Childers home was always open. Her kids' friends were welcomed like family members which she considered them to be. After Sam's retirement, they traveled with friends and family to Branson, Wyoming, Hawaii, and "the world's largest garage sale" in Kentucky. Connie and Sam loved going to estate sales, bringing home "treasures," much to their kids' chagrin. She enjoyed working in her garden, feeding birds, and the companionship of her beloved pets. Connie loved the holidays, especially Christmas. Her yard and house were colorfully decorated for every holiday, including custom light displays wired by Sam. She attended Will Rogers UMC and later Faith UMC where she loved singing the old hymns.

Connie is survived by her children, Sam Jr. and husband Jeff Hemphill of Dallas, Scott and wife Angie of Tulsa, and daughter Stacey Sole and husband Mark of Tulsa; four grandchildren, Austin Childers and Holly Babcock of Satellite Beach, Fla., Parker Childers and wife Riley of Tulsa, Matthew Sole and Jake Sole of Tulsa, her great-granddaughter Lucy Childers of Tulsa and many loving cousins; nieces; nephews; their children and grandchildren.

Viewing will be Sunday, November 2 from 10 a.m.to 8 p.m. Moore's Southlawn. Family will greet visitors 3 to 5. p.m. Service and burial on Monday, November 3 at 10 a.m. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 Share memories at www.moorefuneral.com.