Martha Grace Gillespy Childers
(January 14, 1932 - March 27, 2010)

Martha Grace Gillespy Childers, 78, of Huntington, WV passed away Saturday, March 27, 2010 at home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am Wednesday March 31, 2010 at Beverly Hills United Methodist Church 2600 Washington Blvd., with Rev. William Haynes, Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park. She was born January 14, 1932 in Charleston, WV, a daughter of the late Dr. Thurman and Bess Gillespy. She was also preceded in death by her sister Nell Ruth and two brothers, Robert and William Gillespy. Martha was a retired Associate Professor of Home Economics at Marshall University and Director of the M.U. Child Development Center for 23 years. She was a member of the Kappa Omicron Phi Honorary Fraternity, the Kappa Omicron Nu Honorary, Kappa Delta Gamma Honorary, the American Home Economics Association, the West Virginia Home Economics Association and Family and Consumer Sciences Association. In addition she was on the WV Governor's Committee on Day Care to formulate policy and served as a board member and presenter for Day Care Program Services around the state. She was a speaker for the WV Child Nutrition Program and helped create a TV program for Parenting and Child Development. After her children were in school, Martha finished her education and started her career. She was devoted to her work: tirelessly preparing her students for their careers with young children and teaching parenting skills. She was one of those teachers you never forget. Former students have often expressed their appreciation for the knowledge they gained from her. But her most important roles in life were those of wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Thomas Joe Childers; a son David Childers and his wife Kathy of Ona; a daughter, Linda Childers and her husband Rick of Ona; her granddaughter Jessica Childers Walden and her husband David; her grandson Hunter Childers; and her great grandchildren Hayden and Adelyn Grace Walden; her sisters Mildred Vaughan and Harriet Blake; her brother Thurman; and many nieces and nephews. Martha loved hosting family dinners and spending time visiting, laughing and playing bridge with her good friends. She had a passion for beauty in nature and loved gardening. With her many talents, she created beauty in her own home and others. For the last 15 years of her life, Martha suffered from transverse myelitis, a very painful, paralyzing illness, but she continued to add beauty to the world with her church banners and cross-stitched projects. Her partner in life, Tom, was by her side all the way, helping her complete projects and with dedicated care giving. Her devoted children and grandchildren showed their love and support in every way they could. We would like to thank the numerous caregivers over the years that also helped her. In spite of her illness, Martha always counted her blessings and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Tuesday March 30, 2010 at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the charity of ones choice. Chapman's Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.