Birth Date: 07/20/1919
Deceased Date: 01/31/2018
Rev. Gladys Odell Wallace Childers of Smithfield died January 31, 2018, at the age of 98. She was born July 20, 1919, to Stephen Raeford Wallace and Omelia of Smithfield. She is preceded in death by her parents, former husband; Ralph Childers, sisters; Mazie Oneta Benson, Eunice Mae Bass and Lillian Sue Bush, brothers; Stephen Howard Wallace and Silas Raeford Wallace. She is survived by a brother, Dallas Earl Wallace and his wife Myrtle of Smithfield. Rev. Childers was a licensed practical nurse for 10 years and a licensed minister with the Church of God of Prophecy since 1957. She served as an evangelist with the church from 1957 – 1962, and served in various other capacities. Rev. Childers served as a pastor of the Hickory and Goldsboro (George St.), North Carolina churches, and was a State Evangelist from 1964-1970. Rev. Childers served as the North Carolina State Women’s Missionary Band Secretary/Minister from 1970-1983, North Carolina State Free Literature Representative/Minister, and continued to minister during retirement until her declining health. She was an active member of Johnston Community Church of God of Prophecy. She is survived by 5 nieces; Barbara Phillips of Smithfield, Renee Conner of Hubert, Jennifer Shavers of Clayton, Teresa Pierotti of Bradenton, Florida, Paula Ferrell of Clayton, 4 great nephews, 3 great nieces, 3 great-great nephews, and a great-great niece.
Funeral services will be conducted at the Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, North Carolina on February 3, 2018, at 2:00 with Regional Bishop Michael Johnson. The family will receive friends on February 3, 2018, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, just prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Johnston Community Church of God of Prophecy, 450 Janie Road, Selma, NC 27576.
