Dr. Joseph Hyrum Childs, beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and physician, passed away suddenly in his office on April 22, 2023, at the age of 41. He was born in Houston, Texas, on July 27, 1981, and raised as the second of six children of Roberta and Russell Childs. Joseph lived a life of service and dedication to his family, his community, and his faith.
Joseph’s passing is deeply mourned by his wife of 20 years, Autumn Childs and their four children; Reigan, Elijah, Kaleb, and Finlee; his parents Roberta and Russell Childs; siblings Adam (Sarah), Benjamin (Stacey), Elizabeth Wilson (Jonathan), Nathan (Julie), and Phillip (Maren); 37 nieces and nephews; and other extended family and in-laws.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1085 S Thomas St, Tupelo, MS, with a viewing beforehand from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. The funeral will be broadcast via YouTube.com/@tupelomsstake9599. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Joseph met his beloved wife while attending BYU-Idaho. After serving a two year voluntary mission in Santiago, Chile, preaching the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, they were married for time and all eternity in the Houston Texas Temple.
Joseph earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and later completed his medical doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science at Houston. His passion for ophthalmology led him to the University of Kentucky, where he completed his residency and a fellowship in glaucoma surgery. He worked in Hattiesburg, MS, for several years before settling in Tupelo, MS, where he became a partner at Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center. In addition to being a full-time ophthalmologist, husband and father, Joseph served as the Bishop of the Tupelo congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Joseph was a devoted husband and father who loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. He also had a deep passion for fishing and bird watching. He was known for his kind and compassionate nature and his willingness to serve others. Joseph loved sharing his gifts of healing, love, compassion, and tenderness with each patient that he served. His deep faith and love of the Savior, Jesus Christ, informed every aspect of his life of ministering to his patients, friends, congregation, acquaintances, and most especially to his wife and children. He willingly and joyfully took upon himself the name and character of Jesus Christ, continuously serving and ministering to others in His holy name.
Joseph’s legacy of Christ-like love, kindness, dedication, and service will continue to live on through his family, his friends, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
If you would like to financially contribute to the family please consider donating to the Glaucoma Research Foundation in Joseph’s name.
