Emma Ruth "Mammaw" Childs to be Memorialized Tuesday, February 8

Emma Ruth “Mammaw” Childs passed away at the age of 87 on Thursday, February 3, 2011, in Helena-West Helena.  Mrs. Childs was born January 1, 1924, in West Helena, AR, to the late Frank Rohrscheib and Emma Melissa Rohrscheib. 

Mrs. Childs became the first member of her family to graduate from high school when she graduated with honors from Barton High School in 1943.  At Barton High, she was a basketball star for the Lady Bears, guiding the team to one tournament title.

Mrs. Childs worked in the public schools as a special education aide at Miller Jr. High School for several years.  Prior to that, she worked as a substitute teacher at various schools throughout the Helena-West Helena School District.  Her work in the Helena-West Helena School District was among her most satisfying activities, and she spoke of her students throughout her retirement years.  She was a fan of Cougar football and listened faithfully to the Cougars on KJIW 94.5-FM where her grandson was the Voice of the Cougars.  She also did work in the Barton-Lexa School District and at The Boston Department Store in downtown Helena.  Mrs. Childs was a faithful Sunday school teacher at Lexa Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member.

Mrs. Childs is survived by two daughters Linda Bagley (David) of Lexa and Diane Taylor of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  She is also survived by four grandchildren:  Andrew Bagley (Sandra), Melissa Alumbaugh (Brian), Alan Bagley (Amber), and Jonathan Bagley; and, three great-grandchildren, Collin Bagley, Neal Alumbaugh, and Anna Elizabeth Bagley.

Her husband, Homer Childs, preceded her in death.  Also preceding her were three sisters: Pearl Tolar, Louise Kaneen, and Ada Miller: and eight brothers:  Marion Graham, Marvin Graham, Marston Graham, Eddie Kaneen, F. B. Rohrscheib, H. W. Rohrscheib, J. D. Rohrscheib, Felix Tolar, and Ralph Tolar.

Funeral services for Mrs. Childs will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at Lexa Baptist Church.  The visitation will be Monday evening from 5-8 pm at Roller Citizens Funeral Home.  Mrs. Childs will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park.  Reverend Tommy Jacobs of Lexa Baptist Church will officiate.  Special remarks will be delivered by the Reverend David Crouch of Searcy, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Rohrscheib, Terry Tolar, Leonard Rohrscheib, and Jerry James.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Carson, James Rohrscheib, Doug Rohrscheib, Richard Rohrscheib, L. D. Rohrscheib, Henry Rohrscheib, Jerry Pryor, John Hill, Dennis Delk, Frank Miller, Truett Rohrscheib, R. B. Tolar, Rodney Tolar, and Paul Ringer.

Memorials may be made to Lexa Baptist Church, PO Box 189, Lexa, AR 72355 or to St. Jude Memorial Hospital, 501 St.  Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Services will be directed by Roller Citizens Funeral Home in Helena-West Helena.  The online guest book can be viewed and signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.