Mary Ethel Childs' Obituary
A Life of Love, Faith, and Joy
Mary Ethel Childs was born in the Midway Community of Aberdeen, North Carolina, to John
Bethea and Hazel McQueen. She was Hazel’s only child. On her father’s side, she had two
brothers, John and Jeffrey, and a sister, Sherri. Though not raised together, they grew close
and cherished a bond through adulthood.
She attended school in the Southern Pines School System. Mary was raised with strong
values of faith, family, and resilience. Mary accepted the Lord at a young age. Later in life,
during a return to North Carolina, she became a member of Saint Joseph AME Church, where
she served faithfully on the Usher Board.
In 1974, she relocated to Seaside, California, with her husband, Mr. Benjamin “Bobby” Childs.
Seaside quickly became her beloved home, a place where the ocean breeze and the beauty of
the coast brought her peace.
Mary worked for many years as a private caregiver, tending to others with patience,
compassion, and dignity.
She found joy in simple pleasures like watching the ocean waves, browsing the aisles at
Macy’s, and serving her church community. Mary became a devoted member of New Hope
Baptist Church, serving over four decades on the Usher Board. Her welcoming smile at the
church doors reflected her deep love for the Lord and for people.
Mary loved to wear her red lipstick. She had an infectious laugh, and enjoyed making others
laugh. She wasn’t the best singer or dancer, but found joy in doing both! Mary was an
amazing cook who loved comfort food, and her sweet tooth was legendary, with a particular
love for See’s Candy. She was the heart of her family, and always put them first. She was so
proud and loved them beyond words.
Her greatest blessing was her daughter, Gwen Childs, her only living child, who survives her.
Life between mother and daughter was not without its challenges, but their bond was rooted
in love. Gwen often cared for her in ways that spoke to her mother’s heart — treating her to
manicures and pedicures, and indulging her love for sweets with trips to the candy store.
Preceding her in death are her beloved husband, Benjamin “Bobby” Childs; her children
Herbert Singletary, Clion Singletary, and Hazel Singletary; and her parents, John Bethea
and Hazel McQueen.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Gwen Childs; three grandchildren, Benjamin
“BJ” Childs, Terry Sharpe, and Asharah Blackwood; six great-grandchildren, Jaeda, Benjamin,
Jeremiah, Noah, Dallas, and Riley; her brothers John (Barbara) Bethea and Jeffrey Bethea;
her sister Sherri J. Bethea; her brothers- and sisters-in-law Leisa Childs, Brian Childs, Jackie
Piper, and Junior Piper; and dear friends Doris Davis, Doll Estell, and Jackie Martin.
Mary’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and joy. Her laughter, kindness, and spirit
will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
