A songbird and devoted servant of God exchanged her earthly labor for eternal rest on October 10, 2025, at Guilford Health Care Center in Greensboro, NC. Dorothy Lynn Stafford Childs leaves behind a legacy richly woven with love, music, education, and faith, one that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Born in Concord, NC, Dorothy began her remarkable journey of service and scholarship at Winston-Salem Teachers College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Music. She later continued her studies at North Carolina A&T State University, earning a Master of Science in Intermediate Education. With these gifts, she shaped minds and touched hearts throughout an extraordinary 38-year career as an educator.

Dorothy served with excellence in High Point City Schools, Washington City Schools, and Camp Lejeune Dependent Schools before retiring from Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, NC. She was highly regarded for her leadership and professional commitment, serving as a Southern Association Visitation Member and lending her voice to numerous educational committees. Her dedication to uplifting others extended beyond the classroom, and her service within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., particularly the Delta Kappa Zeta Chapter in High Point, was marked by grace, compassion, and an enduring belief in the power of sisterhood and community.

Music was Dorothy’s heartbeat, ministry, and joy. From childhood she sang in church choirs, later performing in Handel’s Messiah and directing choirs across her community. Under the tutelage of Dr. James A. Dillard, her contralto voice blossomed into a treasured instrument of worship, healing, and praise. Whether in a sanctuary, a concert hall, or a small gathering, Dorothy sang to glorify God and to uplift His people.

Dorothy was the beloved daughter of the late Garfield and Lena Stafford. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Harold Stafford, Arthur Stafford, Bill Stafford, and Felix M. Stafford; her sister Elizabeth Norford; her daughter-in-love, Martha Childs; and her son-in-love, Terry Kindred.

Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 61 years, Walter Childs III; her loving children, Walter “Burke” Childs and Angela Childs-Kindred; her cherished grandchildren, Alysha Kindred and Emmanuel Hines; and her brother, Harry Stafford (Patricia) of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Odessa Hall of Hickory, North Carolina, and Linda Childs of New York, New York; and her brother-in-law, Thomas Childs of Jacksonville, North Carolina. In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with special caregivers Francine Perkins and Angela Isaac, who supported her with compassionate and faithful care.

Dorothy’s life was a testament to her faith. Her melody now joins the heavenly choir, but her song remains here, in the students she taught, the voices she trained, the family she nurtured, and the community she served. May we honor her memory by continuing her work: loving boldly, serving faithfully, and singing joyfully.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant.
Dorothy Lynn Stafford Childs will sing eternally among the angels.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Mrs. Childs may be viewed at Phillips Funeral Service on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.