Ethel Childers Gray

Ethel Sainsbury Childers Gray, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at her home in Haywood County, North Carolina. She was born on September 16, 1926, in London, England.

Mrs. Gray will always be remembered for her unwavering commitment to helping others through her work as a dietitian with the Haywood County Schools. Her colleagues and students alike benefitted from her expertise and caring nature during her tenure at Haywood County Schools.

Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Gray had a deep love for gardening and flowers. She found joy and solace in nurturing plants and creating beautiful gardens throughout her life.

Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Rose Stone Sainsbury, as well as her first husband, Ralph Childers, and her second husband, F. M. Gray; and her beloved son, Keith Childers.  She also joins in eternal rest, her five brothers and two sisters.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Linda Costner of Canton; two sons, Dennis Childers (Candice) of Satsuma, FL, and Stephen Childers (Patricia) of Barnardsville, NC. Mrs. Gray also leaves behind nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to honor and celebrate the life of Mrs. Gray will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday July 21, 2024 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Dennis Childers officiating. Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to God’s Kitchen, 2000 Silver Lake Drive, Palatka, FL 32177. 

Mrs. Gray’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her kindness and dedication have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of encountering her warm spirit.

The care of Mrs. Gray has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.