Evelyn Morris Childs, affectionately known to friends and family as “Tiny,” transitioned from her earthly home to accept her Heavenly wings in her eternal home on January 20, 2022.

Born Evelyn Thresa in the temperate month of May on the 10th day in 1957. She was the youngest child of Thurman Sr. and Gearldine Morris. Evelyn accepted Jesus Christ in her life at the age of eight at Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church. During her childhood, she had to face and overcome many obstacles, which she did by her faith in Christ. It was through her trials that made her into the successful and righteous woman we know her to be.

Evelyn graduated from Caroline County Public Schools and would later return in the role of teacher to impact many young lives. In 1980, Evelyn graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education specializing in Special Education and became a teacher. Getting an education was just as important to her as being an educator. Evelyn decided to further her education and in 1991 received a Master of Science degree in Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) specializing in Vocational-Technical Education. She was one that never just fed her mind but her spirit as well. In 1994, Evelyn and family attended church at Lighthouse Christian Center (LCC). At LCC, Evelyn took the challenge of attending the Bible college. In June 1996, Evelyn received her Associate of Theology degree from Grace Christian College, South Carolina. Two years later she received her B.A. from Grace Christian in Theology. In 2000, Evelyn earned the highest honor of Dr. Evelyn M. Childs by receiving an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Lighthouse Christian Center Bible College through Grace Christian College. She certainly did not sit on her gifts and talents and continued to educate. Evelyn put her Theology degrees to use by becoming a professor for the Master’s program at LCC Bible College.

The one quality that Evelyn possessed and that she only perfected with each passing year was that of a servant’s heart. She served her students, colleagues, community, church and most importantly family by selflessly giving her time, energy, finances, food, resources, knowledge, and love.

Evelyn served students in Caroline County Public Schools, Richmond Public Schools, and Louisa County Public Schools totaling over 40 years in Education. She would often go the extra mile and mentor her students not just about academics but character and life as well. She even retired in 2012 and returned in 2015 until she walked away from teaching for good in 2020. During her first retirement, she still yearned to be a help to others and spread joy. She served in a part-time capacity offering her years’ worth of knowledge in Special Education to Metropolitan Day School of AES, Inc. in Richmond and being a cashier at the Kings Dominion Campground in Doswell. Her colleagues over the years can attest to the love she had for her students, her professionalism, and the joy she had for her jobs. Teaching and collaborating with educators and people in general was not just her career but her calling.

She showed a true servant’s heart when it came to her faith and church. Evelyn served on several ministries at Lighthouse Christian Center located in Highland Springs, Virginia. She served as an usher and greeter, Children’s Church worker, Youth ministry leader, member of the Praise and Worship team, participated in Cleansing Stream Discipleship program as well as Prison Fellowship ministry. She too participated in mission trips to the Los Angeles Dream Center, New York, and to Tel Aviv, Israel. Evelyn too frequently opened the doors of her home to church fellowships and baptism. Her church and its members were truly her extended family.

It was her family that she graciously displayed a servant’s heart as wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, and so on. In 1978, Evelyn met a young man named Harvey Storris Childs Jr., whom she dated and fell in love with. On June 20, 1981, she, and Harvey united and became one in holy matrimony. They cherished 40 years of marital bliss together. In 1982, Harvey and Evelyn were blessed with their first child, Shoshannah and five years later their second child, Salita arrived. Even though Harvey and Evelyn already had two children of their own, their hearts yearned to bless three others. In 1993-1994, Gary; Delisa; and Corey became a part of the Childs Family. She loved being a mother to her children but also enjoyed being a mother figure to the many children and family members she opened her home to. She so enjoyed being a grandmother or what she preferred to be called, “Nana.” Evelyn provided her grandchildren with the same love and opportunities she provided to her own children. She enjoyed her family so much and always considered it her greatest accomplishment. She served her family by being that Proverbs 31 woman and challenging her children and others to be their best self. Evelyn would often encourage those around her to reach higher and never forget about Christ because it is only through Him that we can do all things.

It was through Evelyn’s relentless faith and belief in Christ that she was able to be one of His noblest warriors. It was through this faith and belief that she was able to succeed all the things she accomplished in this life and to face adversity head on and defeat it. She was and will always be remembered as being more than a conqueror! As she would say, “I shall wear a crown!”

Evelyn was preceded in death by her loving parents, Thurman and Gearldine Morris and her son Gary Anthony Childs. She is survived by her husband, Harvey S. Childs Jr.; her children Shoshannah (Jerry Gil Mercedes), Salita (Travis Richardson), Delisa, Corey, and Amarjay Childs. Seven grandchildren Amanti; Leyem; Casey; Brandt; Natasha; Jayson; and Jaylon. Three siblings, Careal Davenport (Darrell); Thurman L. Morris Jr. (Janis), and Delores Baker. Two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Leon and Pauline Washington; and Robert and Robinette Childs. A host of cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, family, and friends also will keep her memory alive.