Kathie Childress

January 28, 1960 ~ October 16, 2024
Born in:
Lee County, NC
Resided in:
Southern Pines, NC
Born in Lee County on January 28, 1960, she lived her life as a resident in Moore County. She spent her younger years in Carthage and then created a home in Southern Pines with her soulmate, Neill. Kathie graduated from Union Pines High School and worked at Kiddie Korner Day Care until the birth of her own children. Later in life, she worked at the local Honda dealership, fondly known to the family as “The Honda Shop,” cleaning the offices and taking on administrative work.Kathie’s most cherished role was that of a full-time homemaker. To those most dear to her, she was known as “Momma” and “Grannie”. The love she had for her Neill, her girls, and her grandchildren was immeasurable. She was a natural caretaker, ensuring everyone had exactly what they needed. Her country style home cooking was amazing, often preparing the same cherished recipes passed down by her “Grandma” Elizabeth Maples, whom she loved so dearly. Leaving her house hungry was never an option—whether it was a meal or just a quick stop at the candy cabinet, she always made sure you were well-fed!
Kathie was the heartbeat of family gatherings, always the first to spark laughter and joy. Her playful spirit and vibrant presence lit up any room. She loved to joke around to share a smile, and she was the queen of crafting the perfect nicknames. She enjoyed singing (Delta Dawn, what’s that flower you have on…), dancing, and playing with her grandchildren, creating treasured memories that will last a lifetime (she never hesitated to initiate a good dogpile).
Kathie had a special fondness for Boone, NC, where she relished annual trips to Tweetsie Railroad with her family, sharing moments that brought her immense joy. Her family was her entire world, and she made her love known to them for all of her days.
Kathie was preceded in death by her mother, Geneva Maples Doucette. She is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Neill Childress (PawPaw); daughters Courtney Skibitsky and her husband Timothy of Vass, and Kelly Marquez and her husband Drew of Aberdeen; her adored grandchildren, Lily, Drew, Mikey, Laurel, and Jillian; and her sister, Heidi Doucette Benton of Whispering Pines.
Kathie’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Services entrusted to Fry & Prickett Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be posted at PinesFunerals.com.
My heart is broken for you Neill, Courtney, Kelli and all of the family. My memories of sweet Kathy are many and I loved her dearly. I pray God gives to each one of you the strength, peace and comfort needed now and for as long you need it. How blessed we all are to have had Kathy in our lives.
Tammie Fore Martin
You are in my thoughts and prayers during the hard time. We love you and if there is anything we can do please let us know.
Love you, Bubba and Toni Cisneros
So sorry for your loss.
Few humans epitomized the word “Family” as did Kathie and Neill Childress, and reading of her passage was withering to me. Having had the good fortune to teach both of their daughters, I grew close to their family’s story and their commitment to life well lived and time well spent–celebrating the day-to-day love that so many fail to achieve. The fact that Kathie is gone will not diminish the impact she had as part of this dynamic duo of family values. Their girls, each brilliant in her own way, provided ample evidence that a loving home produces better humans, and they now pass Neill and Kathie’s lessons on to a new generation. Such progression of kindness and humanity will surely continue, making Kathie’s legacy a lasting tribute to a kind spirit who wanted nothing more from life than to love and be loved, to share, to show compassion, and to rear children with Neill in a manner that might sew the seeds for a new generation to know such simple goodness to be found in life. Neill, my heart breaks for you, Courtney and Kelly, you know the lofty space you hold in my esteem. May the presence of those you share life with these days sustain you in this time of great loss. She was one of a kind. You were such a lucky family.
Kathie was always so kind to me. She had that gift to make a nervous kid calm down. Kelly and Courtney I’m so sorry for the loss of your momma, she raised two fantastic daughters. Neil I’m sorry you lost your girl. My heartfelt prayers and love are surrounding you all.
My wife Robbie and I have been close friends with Neill through his work for decades (even had some vehicular transactions between us). Over the years, we have heard so many wonderful stories about Kathie, Courtney & Kelly along with many shared photos of the beautiful grandchildren. We are sending our deepest prayers to the Childress family during this time of incredible loss.
Kelli, I am so sorry to see of your mothers passing. My prayers are with you and your family.