Barbara Jean Rhodes Childs

Mrs. Barbara Jean Rhodes Childs of Country Club Road, Elberton, wife of 50 years to the late Bobby 'Wayne' Childs, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 15, 2023, two days before celebrating her 72nd birthday. Following a sudden pulmonary illness on Wednesday, Barbara passed away surrounded by her family at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.

Born in Elberton on December 17, 1951, Mrs. Childs was a daughter of the late Thomas Swift Rhodes and Sarah Rachel Vaughn Rhodes. She was a 1969 graduate of Elbert County High School and enjoyed regularly attending the Class of ’69 Sisterhood luncheons. Barbara began working for the Elberton Granite Association while in high school, and retired from there after forty years of service. 

Mrs. Childs was a lifelong member of Falling Creek Baptist Church and loved working in the nursery. She lived a life lead by her strong faith in God. Barbara was always present in the lives of those she loved - helping plan celebrations, talking through issues, and being a strong pillar of comfort during any tragedy. When there were no words that could be spoken, a hug from Barbara could be counted on to ease your burden. 

A natural caretaker, “MaMa” loved spending time with and caring for her family. Hers was a home always filled with love and a warm meal prepared for everyone. Barbara was known for hosting the best neighborhood pool parties and making the best cheese straws ever. Mrs. Childs could often be found working in her yard and tending to her many flowers. She looked forward to decorating for Christmas each year and loved snowmen. Her contagious smile, sense of humor, and love for others will be remembered for generations.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Sandi and Greg Willoughby, Allen and Charlotte Childs, and Patti Johnson, all of Elberton; siblings: Dan Rhodes of Elberton and Linda Teasley of Lavonia; grandchildren: Mya Jean Childs, Brittney and Jarrett Berryman, and Breanne and Cole Ferrell; and great-grandchildren: Presley Berryman, Carter Ferrell, and Rylee Ferrell. Barbara also leaves behind her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carroll and Gwen Childs; step-grandchildren: Samantha and Mike Eye, Star and Tyler Adams, Anoki Simpson, Ashley and Donovan Dennis, Kayla and Kevin Webb, Cole Willoughby, and Bianca Willoughby; step-great-grandchildren: Nitus Simpson, Lawton Dennis, Addyson Webb, Mayson Webb, Braden Smith and Bristol Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, William Rhodes; and son-in-law, Rickey Johnson. 

The family is at the home, 1073 Country Club Road, Elberton, and will receive friends on Sunday, December 17, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Memorial services celebrating Barbara's life will be held on Monday, December 18, at 2:00p.m. at Falling Creek Baptist Church. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park at a later date.

Contributions may be made in her memory to Falling Creek Baptist Church, 1020 Jack McVeigh Drive, Elberton, GA 30635, Celebration Outreach Center Building Fund, 1333 Washington Highway, Elberton, GA 30635, Elbert County Humane Society, P.O. Box 267, Elberton, GA 30635, or to Granite Country Animal Partners, 4928 Elberton Highway, Hartwell, GA 30643.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Barbara Jean Rhodes Childs.