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Obituary For Mrs. Dorothy Stafford Childs
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.
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Vendell Brooks sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Dorothy Stafford Childs - October 23, 2025
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With Deepest Sympathy and Love
Dear Soror Angie,
The Brothers of the Tau Epsilon Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. extend our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. We pray that God's peace surrounds you and your family during this time of sorrow. May the cherished memories you hold bring comfort to your heart and strength to your spirit.
Your mother's love and light will continue to live on through you and all the lives she touched. Please know that your Sigma Brothers stand with you in love, prayer, and support—today and always.
With Brotherly Love and Deepest Sympathy, The Brothers of Tau Epsilon Sigma Alumni Chapter ΦΒΣ
Sincere Condolences to the family. Love you all!
Angela and Alysha, Sending condolences peace and prayers to you both and the family. May the Lord comfort you all during this time. The Green Family Otis and Angela and Branden
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Our sincerest condolences to the family of a beloved classmate from Logan High School class of 1960. She will always be remembered for her outstanding voice. She will be truly missed but we know that her voice has been added to the choir above. Sing on angel.
The WSSU Class Of 1964 has lost another wonderful classmate! Dorothy as well as many of our classmates distinguished herself not on in he classroom but in our fantastic choral music department. I was in the university marching and concert band. So sharing the facility was common. I often would hang around and listen the choir rehearsals. That is when I first heard Dorothy's voice and the beautiful music that our choir produced. My appreciation for the hard work that went into excellent choral music began there. I made it a point to make the Wednesday chapel services as much as possible in order to hear their musical selections.... Thank you Dorothy and all the wonderful musicians that warmed my heart when you performed !!
A neighbor in the same Stoneybrook Courts as Dorothy Childs, our family sends condolences to the family and give praises to our God who lovingly called her to join the choir of angels in the heavenly realm and rest from her earthly labor. Angela, thank you for the FB Chronicles where many were able to enjoy her melodic vocals and be ushered into a spirit of peace or join her in singing praises to God! She was a wonderful neighbor and friend to our family. May the warmth of God's grace and his love for Dorothy continue to give your family comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead.
Angela and Alysha we send our sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Praying for you always. May Gods peace and confort will be with you now and in the days ahead. Love, The Bevins-Smiths Mrs. Marie, Tyrone, Ilya and Jess
My Deepest Condolences To The Family Members of Mrs. Dorothy Childs. Prayers For Strength and Comfort In The Days To Come. Was Blessed and Honored With The Privilege of Working With Mrs. Childs and Dr. Childs In The After School Program at the Church. Mrs. Childs Was Always An Inspiration To Work With. Her Legacy Will Live On. Praising God For The Opportunity Of Receiving the Blessings of Her Wisdom, Knowledge and Experience. A Wise Woman of God. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Humbly Submitted, Elder Calvin Parker Rocky Mount NC
My prayers go out to the CHILDS FAMILY, Mrs Childs was my 8th grade science teacher at NORTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL. R.I.P
Angela and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember Sister Dorothy for her kindness, warm spirit and her amazing, spirit filled singing. May you find comfort in the knowledge that she is now in God's loving presence and in the promise of eternal life.
With deepest sympathy, Greater First United Baptist Church
Mr Child's and family, you all have my condolences. I was saddened of Mrs Dorothy's passing. We worked together on Election Primary Day together for a few years. She was a nice sweet person. I missed her when she stopped working with us. May God Bless you and carry you and your family through during this very difficult time.🙏
I along with the Choir of Mt. Vernon Methodist Church, Trinity, share your loss. Dot was a great choir director and was loved by the Church. We will keep you in our prayers. God Bless you all
To the family of Dorothy Childs, she was truly a loving always caring mother to me. I'm truly going to miss her dearly. God has called His daughter home. I'am very sad, but I know she's in a better place. My prayers are with the family love you all.
I am so sorry to hear of the death of my beloved classmate & line sister. We have been members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority for 63 years. Walter's & Dot's melodious & harmonious voices complimented each other. We traveled with the Great Dr. James Dillard in the WSSU Touring Choir. Take your rest, sister. I love you!
So Sad to hear this news. Mrs Childs was my teacher many years ago. God work in way we don't understand sometime I just thought about Mrs Childs a few days ago it could have been on the day she passed..I'm praying for all family and friends.
Hello Friends:
Dorothy and Dr. Walter Childs have been long time Friends to many of us. Dorothy and Dr. Childs were noted WSSU Rams of Distinction. We all served faithfully through the years together in The High Point Chapter of The Winston-Salem State University National Alumni Association supporting our Famed Alma Mater through the recruitment of students, providing needed funding, and being active in University affairs and events.
'Dot' and 'Walt' were Blessed by God with 'Golden Voices'. The HP Chapter of WSSU National Alumni Association sponsored 'Dot' and 'Walt' in many concerts that drew a crowd and raised funding for the cause.
Lastly: Mrs. Dorothy Childs was an Educator Personified!!!!!! Mrs. Dorothy Childs was an Educator Extraordinaire!!!!!
God Bless You Family and Trust God to Comfort you.
Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green, Proud WSSU RAM Rev., Dr. Bobby W. Green, Jr.
We were sad to learn that our classmate and friend had passed. One of our fondest memories with always be her angelic voice. We send prayers and condolences to the family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
