Leola Childers (Brody)

Ashland, Mississippi--- Mrs. Leola Brody Childers 98, passed away on February 5, 2017 at her home in Ashland Mississippi. She was born on July 12, 1918 to James Patrick and Sudie Elizabeth Orman Brody in Benton County Mississippi. In her early years she moved to Horn Lake Mississippi and attended school there. As she embarked on her high school years, Leola returned home to her family in Benton County where she boarded and graduated from Chalybeate High School. After high school graduation she attended Grenada Mississippi College in Grenada Mississippi and Bowling Green College in Bowling Green Kentucky. In 1938 Leola returned to the Blackjack Community and married Tid Childers and together they had four children, James Larry, Madolyn Louise, Brody Lee, and Sherry Lynn. Her deep devotion and love for her children was shown daily as she spent her days supporting her family in all there endeavors. Leola became active in her community by helping the Blackjack area secure electricity, telephone service and even paved roads. She was very active in the Home Demonstration Club, 4H Club,and the Order of the Eastern Star. She taught in a one room school house in Blackjack for many years. She loved her students and cherished every moment. The students along with her enjoyed multiple daily trips to the spring to dip out their drinking water. However her most fulfilling job was writing the "50 Years Ago By Lydia" column for the Southern Advocate. She enjoyed the huge books of local history that she sat for countless hours reading and typing the happenings of years past. Thankfully she continued writing until last year. Before retiring she was bookkeeper for Benton County CO-OP for 25 years and a member of Blackjack United Methodist Church where she served as church pianist. Leola is survived by one daughter, Madolyn Ward (Don) of Ripely; one son, Brody Childers (Debbie) of Ashland; one daughter-in-law, Cindy Payne Childers of Gulfport; one son-in-law, Jim Evans (Linda) of Marietta; Six grandchildren, Carmen Childers Rowland (Ashley) of Collierville, TN; Clark Ward (Dawn) of Senatobia; Mande Ward Miller (Charlie) of Saltillo; Monica Childers Green (Jeff) of Ripley; Zachery Evans and Abbty Evans both of Marietta; nine great-grandchildren, Lauren and Libby Rowland; Haden Ward (Rebekah); Shelby Ward; Charlie Miller III; Olivia Jane Miller; Carol Ormon (Matt); Courtney Grisham (Ryan); Carley Reno (Coley); five great-great-grandchildren, Mady, Millie, Mace Ormon; Elizabeth Rae Ward; Zadie Grisham; and her caregiver, Barbara Craig. Preceding her in death was her husband, Nile Tidwell Childers; her parents; one daughter, Sherry Childers Evans; one son, James Larry Childers; one sister, Fronie Brody Wooten; three brothers, Malcom Brody and two infant brothers. Pallbearers will be Clark Ward, Haden Ward, Ashley Rowland, Kenny Brown, Charlie Miller, Charlie Miller III. Memorials may be made to Tippah County Relay for Life, % Roger Childs, The Peoples Bank, P.O. Drawer 419, Ripley, MS 38663. To send flowers to the family of Leola Childers (Brody), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Leola Childers (Brody)

July 12, 1918 - February 5, 2017