Jeanette Childes
It is with peace that we announce the passing of our mother on October 22, 2026. Helen “Jeanette” Childes was born on October 1, 1936 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Glayne and Mary Alice Johnson. Jeanette grew up in Middletown, Indiana where she met lifelong friends. She was the oldest of 4 children serving in the role of BIG sister to three brothers whom she loved very much: Jim Johnson (deceased), Glayne “Buster” Johnson of Middletown, and Richard Johnson of California.
Jeanette began working at Childes Petroleum Company at age 18 where she met her husband, John L. “Jack”Childes III. They enjoyed going on dates to dance to the bands of Louie Armstrong, Stan Kenton, and Ray Anthony. They were united in marriage on September 8, 1957 and remained married for 59 years until Jack’s death in 2015.
During their 59 years together they raised three children, John L. Childes IV (Patricia Armstrong Childes) of Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Jeffrey L. Childes (Laura Brown Childes, deceased) of Greenville South Carolina, and Jane Ann Wright (Ray Wright) of Staunton, Virginia. Jeanette was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren who she adored and loved to shop for throughout the years. Their 59 years together were deeply rooted in the Anderson Church of the Brethren where they served the Lord.
During a time when most women did not work outside the home, Jeanette with three young children pursued a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education graduating in 1973 from Anderson University. She went on to earn a master’s of education degree in 1976 from Ball State University and taught for Anderson City Schools for 30 years. She loved teaching!
In June of 2016 Jeanette moved to Aviva Baldwin Park to be close to her daughter as she aged. Upon entering Brightview she gained a community of loving friends and a staff who were the hands and feet of Jesus serving Jeanette well up to her last days. At Brightview, she enjoyed scenic rides, sang in a choir, led hymns on Sunday mornings for their church service, was active in Bible Study, and enjoyed many games of Euchre.
The family appreciates your prayers as they grieve with hope of Jeanette being reunited with her Savior and passed loved ones. A celebration of life service will be planned for the near future as the family gathers grandchildren across multiple states and countries. In the meantime, please keep the family in your prayers.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions for large print books may be made to the Friends of the Staunton Library at 1 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401 in memory of Helen Jeanette Childes. Mom loved to read and benefited so much from the selection of large print books brought to Baldwin Park for the residents to enjoy.
