Mary Anne Childress

Mary Anne Childress, 82, of Topeka, went home Friday, March 8, 2024 to be with her Lord. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 14, 1941, in Joplin, Missouri, the daughter of Julius Sidney (Sid) and Gladys (Luke) Cook. She graduated from Baxter Springs High School in 1959 in Baxter Springs, Kansas.

For many years Mary Anne worked in health care management and administration. She enjoyed each medical practice that she worked with. Throughout her career she met and worked with many people that remained dear to her.

Mary Anne was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, of Topeka and an active member of the Gideons International Auxiliary, Kansas Association.

Mary Anne married Gregg Childress on July 1, 1960 in Baxter Springs, Kansas. He survives.

Other survivors include daughter, Becki Childress, son, Chris (Doneen) Childress, granddaughter, Allie (Mitch) Montgomery, nephew, Sid (Chris) Connor, niece Sheri (Bob) Cronin, cousin, Clara (Keith) Ferguson and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Norma Smith, Harold Cook, and Burleigh Cook.

After having grown up in the same small town, attending the same high school and getting married, Mary Anne and Gregg found themselves relocating several times in their early years. But in 1968 Topeka became home and although they moved a few more times later in life, Mary Anne and Gregg always returned to Topeka.

As happens with so many Christ followers, Mary Anne couldn't possibly foresee the amazing story of her life that Christ was writing. Never in her wildest dreams would she have seen herself as the wife of a pastor, yet in the mid 1970s that's where her story led. But oh my, how she embraced that role that she had been so perfectly created to fill! Always listening intently to the Holy Spirit, she found many places to serve over the years. She lived with a keen understanding of her responsibility to share the love of Jesus Christ. Her smile spoke warmth and love to all who met her. She loved Christ, her family and others fiercely and with intensity. She was indeed a woman of God.

Mary Anne loved spending time with her family on vacations and at gatherings and always found room at the table for others in need of "family". Because her devotion was much deeper than any particular school, she cheered enthusiastically for every team that any of her family followed. She enjoyed Bible studies, playing games, reading, gospel music, and crossword puzzles. She wrote with a beautiful hand and her notes, letters and cards became treasured keepsakes long before March 8th. She was our glue. And although there is now an emptiness in our lives, we will lean into what she taught us and modeled for us as we move forward focused on Christ.

Mary Anne's wishes were for cremation. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. (CDT), at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 4223 Topeka, Kansas 66604.

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