Joan Carol Childers

Joan Carol Childers was born on March 6, 1954, to John H. Childers M.D. and Cristol D. Childers. Joan lived with her parents and brother, John H. Childers Jr., in Galveston, Texas, until family moved to Dallas, Texas. Dr. Childers served as director of clinical pathology at Saint Paul Hospital and later as a pathologist and professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Cristol was a stay-at-home mother, taking care of their two children. Joan was developmentally disabled and was diagnosed with epilepsy in early childhood. Joan attended the Children's Development Center before going to Shady Brook School in Richardson, Texas. Joan loved interacting with family friends, her dogs and members of her church (Churchill Way Presbyterian in Dallas and later Bentwood Trail Presbyterian in Dallas). Joan was an avid letter-writer and enjoyed visiting with people. With the death of her parents, Joan went to live in Springdale, Ark., with her brother, John H. Childers Jr., and his wife, Gilda Pierce. After living with John and Gilda for a year, Joan was able to move to Culpepper Place, an assisted living facility, and live independently for the first time. She later moved to Homestyles, also an assisted living facility, where she lived until her death. Homestyles truly became her home and she was so proud to have her own life there. Perhaps Joan's greatest pleasure in later life was having the opportunity to live independently, keeping her own apartment and developing her own community of friends. Over the years, Joan touched many lives. Joan will be remembered as a gracious woman who loved her family, friends, God and church. In life, Joan lived with numerous limitations, but she never complained. Joan always smiled and brought out the best in others. Joan is now without her earthly limitations and continues to impact the lives of those who knew her. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. John H. Childers. She is survived by her brother, John H. Childers Jr. and his wife, Gilda Pierce, of Springdale, Ark. Joan also leaves behind the nephew that she adored, Jonathan R. Childers of Dallas, Texas. A graveside ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012, under the Pavilion of Bogata Cemetery, Bogata, Texas, with Wood Funeral Homes, Bogata, in charge of the arrangements. Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 20, at Bentwood Trail Presbyterian Church in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in memory of Joan Carol Childers to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762. We are indebted to the Circle of Life and its caring staff for making the final stage of Joan's life comfortable. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhomes.com.