Phyllis Irene Pannell Childress, 83 of Staunton, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2015 in Staunton.
She was born August 3, 1931 in Stuarts Draft, the daughter of the late Clayborne Pannell and Ruth Fretwell Pannell.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Willard Childress in 1990 and a brother, Bobby Ray Pannell in his youth.
Phyllis is survived by her son, Michael Webster Childress of Louisville, KY, her daughters, Deborah Childress Howard and husband Terry of West Monroe, LA and Dianne Childress Shiflett and husband Andy of Fishersville, a sister, Shelvia Pannell Lam of Richmond, four grandchildren, Matthew Childress and Natalie Childress of Louisville, KY, Nathan Shiflett of San Antonio, TX, and Sara Shiflett of Waynesboro and four great-grandchildren, Drew and Liliana Shiflett and Megan and Leah Burton. Phyllis counted Terri Lynne Long as her favorite niece and Debbie Phillips Henderson and Shelia Lunsford Toms as her special daughters.
She retired from GE after 37 years of faithful service. A long-time member of Shenandoah Heights Baptist Church where she was active in her younger years teaching the Sunbeams, was involved with WMU and a choir member.
Phyllis was a devoted and faithful wife to her husband for over 39 years, she doted over her grandchildren that were the joy of her life. She was a true Southern cook and exquisite homemaker.
Phyllis bravely endured 13½ years of Kidney Dialysis.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2015 at the Chapel of Charlton and Groome Funeral Home with The Rev. Dr. Paul F. LaPrevotte officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2015 at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville, VA 22939.
Special appreciation goes to all the nurses and Augusta Transport Teams associated with the Dialysis Center at Augusta Health
Family and friends may share their memories and condolences at www.charltongroomefuneralhome.com.
