Miriam (McDonald) Childress

Miriam McDonald Childress passed away peacefully at her home on December 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on December 12, 1927, in Floydale, South Carolina, to John Percy McDonald and Louise Rogers McDonald, who preceded her in death.

Miriam is survived by her daughter, Tanya Gross (Brian), and her sons, Kris Childress (Lynette) and Eric Childress (Yan). She was a proud grandmother to Ashley, Laura,  Elizbeth, and Amelia.  Miriam is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Childress, her sisters Vivian Hayes and Jeannette Hamilton, and her brother J.P. McDonald.

From a young age, Miriam was curious, driven, and deeply engaged with the world around her. At just 16 years old, she enrolled at Columbia College in South Carolina, where her love of words and ideas flourished. She helped establish a student newspaper, The Postscript, and served as an editor for the literary magazine, The Criterion. After graduation, she moved to Florida to begin her career as an educator - one of many ways she shared her gifts with others.

It was during her college years that Miriam met the love of her life, Bob, an engineering student at the University of South Carolina, recently returned from Navy service in the Pacific Arena. They married in 1950 and built a life marked by partnership, faith, adventure, and deep affection. Their journey together took them from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Glen Burnie, Maryland, and eventually to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they settled near family and became devoted members of Paw Creek Presbyterian Church.

Miriam’s faith was central to her life, and she poured her heart into her church community. She was one of the first women elected as an elder, served on the Women of the Church board, and was honored with a Women of the Church Lifetime Membership. One of her greatest joys was founding the Paw Creek Players, bringing together fellow church members to perform plays she lovingly wrote and directed. Her creativity, leadership, and enthusiasm made lasting memories for all involved.

Beyond her church work, Miriam was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an avid reader, a gifted painter, and an accomplished poet and writer. She loved learning, creating, and experiencing new places—especially when she could do so with her family. She and Bob treasured their many travels, including welcoming their oldest granddaughter, Ashley, in Neu Ulm, Germany: celebrating Kris and Lynette’s wedding in Singapore and a special trip to Ireland.  One of her most cherished memories was visiting Scotland with her sister Jeannette.

What people remember most about Miriam, though, was her love for life and for people. She truly never met a stranger. Her warmth, curiosity, and genuine interest in others drew people in, and her optimism made them feel valued and understood. She was a wonderful listener, generous with her wisdom, and quick with encouragement. Her son Eric often joked that she could have easily run a small country - an affectionate nod to her remarkable organizational skills and natural leadership.
Even as she slowed down later in life, the love Miriam had given so freely returned to her many times over. Those who knew her felt lucky to be part of her world and were inspired by her grace and kindness.

A celebration of Miriam’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on December 27th  at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Paw Creek Presbyterian Church at https://www.pawcreekpc.org/ or to Hospice at https://www.viagiving.org/one-time-giving. 

Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is serving the Childress family. 

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