JoAn I. Childers
July 16, 1937 – Dec. 21, 2010
After a brief illness, lung cancer took the life but not the spirit of this remarkable, generous woman. JoAn, “Jo”, was born in Terry, MT and raised in Yakima, WA; she was an active, adventurous youngster with a love of singing. She graduated from Yakima HS and Central Washington University where she met the love of her life, Bill; they were married 50 years. The couple lived in Tacoma where both taught for the Bethel School District.
Mrs. Childers became a well-known Language Arts teacher at Bethel Jr. High and Cedarcrest where she taught for 37 years. Known for her high standards and her wry sense of humor, Mrs. Childers had a commanding yet entertaining presence in the classroom. Few took greater pleasure diagramming a sentence, and her red correcting pencil was always close at hand! Jo was an accomplished teacher; she attained her masters degree and was the recipient of numerous commendations, including several Teacher of the Year awards.
In recent years, Jo dedicated her time to her family. For years she selflessly cared for her mother-in-law and then her own ageing mother, endearing herself to the residents and staff at King’s Manor in the process. She and Bill were actively involved with WA Antique Carousel Society (Bill was a carver for the carousel at Pt. Defiance). Jo had a special affinity for children and pets; she always carried treats for both. But Jo was most proud of her two “girls” and her two grandchildren whom she cherished.
Jo and Bill masterfully created a beautifully landscaped home on 2.5 acres of wetlands. They both treasured the beauty of their home and it gave Jo particular solace these past two years.
Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill. She is survived by daughters Christine (Jim) Childers Rogers and Cheryl (Doug) Sayed; grandchildren Cailin and Connell Rogers; sister Delores (Buck) Wheat; brother Reuben (Carole) Naasz, sister-in-law Claire (Rich) MacDonald; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear cat companion Olivia.
Special thanks to Dr.’s Carlos and Hunter and the amazing staff at Evergreen hospital, including Evergreen Hospice and especially nurse Jimmy whose kindness and competence were tremendously appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, remembrance gifts can be made to the Humane Society, or to the Childers Carousel Endowment Fund at the Zoo Society, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, WA 98407.