Mrs. Billy Lynn Childs of Louisville, MS passed away at her home surrounded by her family on September 6, 2017, at the age of 92. Billy Lynn was born on March 10, 1925, in Noxapater, MS. She was one of six children of Henry and Ella Estelle Kirkpatrick. She grew up and graduated high school as valedictorian from Noxapater, MS. She married Curtis Childs and began their family in Noxapater. They moved their young family to Louisville into the Evergreen Community. She joined the Evergreen Baptist Church where she remained an active member for the remainder of her life. Billy Lynn was known for many things.
She was very talented with handwork and would make an Afghan for anyone who asked, her caramel pies were looked forward to at every potluck, but she is most likely best remembered for her love of children. Over the years she helped raise countless children, and then helped raise many of their children. She was Mamaw, Mamaw Billy, or Bibi to so many. In her final year Billy Lynn was hit with dementia. Though the disease would at times steal her memories and recognition of family and friends, it did not take her caring spirit. No matter how bad she had been feeling, or if she recognized you or not, you would always be greeted with an enthusiastic, “Well hey, how are you?” She ended her life with the same caring spirit she lived with.
Billy Lynn leaves behind a son, James Randy Childs (Linda) of Arkadelphia, AR; a daughter, Nelda Metts of Louisville, MS; grandchildren, Miranda Bebee (Jim) of Arkadelphia, AR, Shawna Childs of Arkadelphia, AR, Sonjia McReynolds (Russ) of Starkville, MS; great grandchildren, Brayden, Sadie, and Josee Bebee of Arkadelphia, AR, Landon Kuhn of Arkadelphia, AR, Mac and Sara Stokes McReynolds of Starkville, MS, James, Brandy, and Carleigh Blanton of Louisville, MS; sister in law Joy Childs of Louisville, MS; as well as many nieces and nephews and countless “children” spread across the state and country who carry on her legacy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Curtis Childs; son in law William Metts; brothers Harry Kirkpatrick, Graydon Kirkpatrick (Lallie Hitt), sisters, Carrie Kirkpatrick, Helen Bunch (Mack), and Margie Coalson (Wyatt). Billy Lynn’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to her loyal caregivers and Quality Hospice. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, September 8th, at Porter Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 9th, at Evergreen Baptist Church. Interment will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Russ McReynolds, Jim Bebee, James Blanton, Billy Heard, Chris Childs, and Niles Peterson.
