Deborah Lynn Russell Childress

Deborah Lynn Russell Childress June 11, 1951 – March 18, 2025 Easley, SC – After a long, hard fought battle with cancer, Deborah Lynn Russell Childress, 73, passed into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025, at her home in Easley with her loving husband by her side. Deborah was born June 11th, 1951, one of 4 daughters of the late Clarence Woodard Russell and Clementina (Tina) Mattie Welch Russell. She grew up in Russellville, SC, and attended school in St. Stephen. She was a long-time resident of Goose Creek, SC where she built a life with her husband, Terry. She was an accomplished homemaker, creating a beautiful home for her family with talents that included cooking & baking, decorating, flower gardening & design, and crafting. Deborah had a big personality, loved to talk and laugh and spend time with family and friends. She loved to sing and dance and was a gifted, passionate pianist. Watching her fingers dance across the keys was truly amazing! She especially enjoyed playing hymns, providing musical accompaniment and choir direction for her church for many years as well as working with the youth on various plays & performances for the congregation. She found great comfort in her relationship with the Lord and her faith truly sustained her through this journey. In addition to her parents, Deborah was preceded in death by her sister, Amelia Audrey Russell, and her brother-in-law, Grover Buddin “Buddy” Gardner. Deborah was married to the love of her life, Terry Lee Childress, for 48 years. She is survived by her husband as well as her daughter, Wendy Rochelle Keller Carr (Tim) of Moncks Corner; her son, Terry “Troy” Lee Childress Jr. (Glynnis) of Simpsonville, step-children Barry H, Childress of Goose Creek and Michelle “Mandy” Lee Childress of North Myrtle Beach; sisters Marilyn Russell Gardner of Florence and Claire Russell Mizzell (David) of Moncks Corner; grandchildren Phillip Carr, Taylor Carr, and Joshua Carr of Moncks Corner, and Russell Childress of Simpsonville; and great grandchildren, Alivia and Kain Carr. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 5th at 1:00 pm at Russellville Christian Church in Russellville, SC. Visitation will precede the service from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672 or Russellville Christian Church, 1681 N State Hwy 35, St. Stephen SC 29479.

Deborah Lynn Russell Childress

July 11, 1951 - March 18, 2025