Linda Lou Childress

Linda Lou Yates Childress, age 76 of Clintwood, Virginia, went to her heavenly home on Monday morning, July 1, 2024. She was surrounded by her family and passed peacefully in her cherished home. She was born on October 22, 1947 in Clintwood, Virginia. Linda was a faithful member of Clintwood Bible Church serving as Sunday School teacher, Women’s Fellowship President and in many other leadership roles. She was a servant at heart leading church plays, VBS, and teaching Sunday school. She loved to share her faith with anyone listening. She was formerly a member of Calvary Assembly of God in Hampton, Virginia where she served as leader of Missionettes and produced Christmas cantatas and children’s programs. Her other ministries included many years serving female inmates at the local jail as well as taking over the radio ministry “Learning to Lean” after the death of her father, Theo Yates. She also wrote an article for the Dickenson Star for several years sharing life lessons, stories and recipes. She was preceded in death by son-in-law Bill Carroll, parents Theo and Oleta White Yates, and sister Debbie Yates Hill. She was a ’65 graduate of Clintwood High School and attended Radford University where she met and married David. Survivors include husband of 56 years, David Childress of Clintwood VA, daughter Kim Childress Carroll and late husband Bill Carroll of Clintwood, VA, son Brett Childress and wife Aleta (Perry) Childress of Clintwood, VA. She cherished her grandchildren Allyson Carroll of Buena Vista, VA, Cameron Carroll of Clintwood, VA, and Brett David Childress II of Clintwood, VA. Surviving siblings include Palmer Yates and wife Mildred, Michael Yates and wife Anita, Shirls Hill (husband of Debbie), Greta Davis, Terry Yates and wife Tammy, all of Clintwood, Virginia. Throughout her life, Linda participated in many lofty endeavors. She was a founder of Tidemill Kindergarten and Private School in Hampton, Virginia. She operated several businesses in Clintwood, Virginia including This Old House craft store, Appalachian Treasures, and Linda Lou's Jams and Jellies. She was a participant and food presenter and chef at the 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. She enjoyed catering for local events at the Ralph Stanley Museum and Jettie Baker Center and prided herself in having served Governor Mark Warner a meal upon his request while visiting Clintwood. Linda had a passion for the outdoors. She enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, and landscaping and could often be found resting on her swing under the tree after working in her yard all day. A celebration of life service is planned for Thursday evening July 4, 2024 at 6pm at the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel, Clintwood, Virginia. The family will begin receiving friends and loved ones at 5pm. Interment will be at Yates Cemetery on Caney Ridge at a later date. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible charitable donations may be made to Balance Ministries to assist with medical travel needs of those in our community that are fighting cancer. Linda was a 38-year survivor of breast cancer and enjoyed ministering to those battling cancer and other chronic illnesses. Balance Ministries PO Box 2242 Clintwood, Virginia 24228 Mullins Funeral Home and Staff are serving the Childress family. Online condolences may be made at www.mullinsfuneralhome.net

Linda Lou Childress

October 22, 1947 - July 1, 2024