Joyce Childers

Gaffney, SC - - Joyce Harrill Childers, 91, of 2040 Twin Bridge Road, formerly of 111 Hillside Drive, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Upstate Community Hospice House in Landrum.

Born in Gaffney, she was the widow of the late Franklin "Bill" Randolph Childers and daughter of the late Charles Edward Harrill and Lula Mae Wright Harrill.  She retired as a teacher from Central Elementary School after 39 years of service.  Joyce was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where she was a former Sunday School teacher and was a member of the WMU and TLC Women's Ministry.   She also faithfully attended Crossroads Baptist Church and was a member of the Tuesday Women's Club and a Bridge Club member consisting of former teachers.  She loved her family, enjoyed cooking, and attended Clemson ballgames for over 30 years.  She was always the happiest while she was serving others.

Surviving are three sons, Scott Childers (Anita) of Simpsonville, Tim Childers (Donna) of Gaffney, and Hal Childers (Michelle) of Katy, TX; a daughter, Lisa Lancaster (Reverend Rich) of Gaffney; a sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Mitchell of Vassalboro, Maine; thirteen grandchildren, Lauren Clayton (Barrett), Adam Childers, Matt Childers (Holly), Kaylin Harris ( Josh), Bradley Childers, Joshua Childers (Izzy), Rachel Childers, Grace Childers, Noah Childers, Katie Burns (Kyle), Luke Lancaster (Maggie), Hannah Norris (Brady) and Emmie Sue Lancaster; eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.   In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Griffin Lancaster.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM until 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at First Baptist Church. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM at the church with Reverend Rich Lancaster and Reverend Kevin Hampton officiating.  The family will also receive friends following the funeral service at the church.  Interment will be at 3:00 PM on Monday, May 5, 2025 in Frederick Memorial Gardens with Dr. Tommy Huddleston and Dr. Barry Jenkins officiating.

The family would like to extend special thanks to LaMonda McDowell and Erin Morris for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Cherokee Children's Home, P.O. Box 1896, Gaffney, SC 29342, First Baptist Church, 200 N. Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC 29340, Crossroads Baptist Church, 130 Conway Black Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

The family will be at the home of Reverend Rich and Lisa Lancaster, 2040 Twin Bridge Road, Gaffney, SC.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC