Joyce Thompson Childers, a devoted mother and caregiver, passed with peace and grace Wednesday at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by her family. Born in Florence, Alabama, she was a longtime resident of the Huntsville area. She was a graduate of Coffee High School and later Business College in Columbia, South Carolina.
‘Jo,’ as she was known to all who loved her, worked for many years at Schrimsher Construction Company. Upon retirement, she opened ‘Jo’s Discount Shoes’ and after that she spent her time devoted to her husband and family. She was active in the John Hunt Pilot club and spent many hours volunteering and working on service projects. Her mission in life was to help anyone in need. Jo loved socializing, cooking, shopping, beach trips, Alabama football and, most of all, being with her children and grandchildren. She had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. Her kitchen was never closed, and she was always ready to cook a meal for someone in need.
Jo is survived by her husband of 60 years, William W. Childers; son, Billy Childers and wife, Rhonda; daughter, Elizabeth Spiegel and husband, Bob; sister, Deborah McLaughlin and husband, Raymond; grandchildren, Meagan and Chris Ryan, Kobi Childers, Daisy Childers, Chance Childers, Josh and Anna Hall, Julia Grace Hall, Robert and Kelli Spiegel, Erin Spiegel, Andy McLaughlin and Robbie McLaughlin; and great-grandchildren, Emmett Hall and Robert Spiegel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett O. and Grace Comer Thompson; brother, Lenard Thompson; and nephew, Mathew Thompson.
Our dear Jo will always be remembered as a loving wife and mother whose greatest passion was helping others. She leaves us with rich memories.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Mike McFarland officiating. Burial will be in Tri-Cities Cemetery, Florence, Alabama. (laughlinservice.com)
The family wishes to thank Dr. Fernandez, Dr. Pukis, Cindy Rogers, CRNP, and all the nurses at Huntsville Hospital for the best care that could ever be given.
