Nola Childress

“Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven, where the love of our lost ones shine down to remind us that everything we deeply love can never truly be lost.” Loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; Nola Dean “Nana” Childress of Woodlake, California passed away at the age of 74 on December 1, 2015 after battling a lengthy illness. Nola Dean was born on July 31, 1941 in Littlefield, Texas to James and Velma Greer. She was the eldest of three siblings and is survived by her sister, Oleta Dixon and brother, Melvin Greer. The family moved to California during World War II, to be closer to family, while her father was serving in the Pacific. Nola Dean met Joe Childress and they started a life together. They were married June 20, 1959 and settled in Woodlake. Nola Dean later began her 32-year career working for Woodlake Unified School District. If you had the privilege of knowing Nola Dean, you knew family meant everything to her. She was a devoted mother who spent time volunteering and encouraging her children. She enjoyed taking family trips and attending events to watch her grandchildren. She was a strong Christian and attended the First Southern Baptist Church of Woodlake. She led by example and taught others to love more. When Nola Dean put her mind to something, you knew it was going to be accomplished. She had a passion for helping others and was always just a phone call away. Nana’s love will continue to live on within her family. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joe Childress and her four children: Renee (Arnold), Dewayne (Darby), Randy (Julie), and Laurlyn. She has many accomplishments to be proud of in life, but her proudest would be her family. She was a grandmother to 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, as well as a large and loving extended family. The family would like to thank everyone involved with caring for Nana. We greatly appreciate Bryson Cancer Care and staff for all their loving care and support. Condolences can be made in care of Nola Dean Childress, to www.salseranddillard.com Salser and Dillards Funeral Chapel. A scholarship has been established in her memory. Nola Dean’s Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, December 8th at 9:00AM. Services will be held at the First Southern Baptist Church of Woodlake on 257 N. Acacia St. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Woodlake Cemetery.

Nola Childress

July 31, 1941 - December 1, 2015