Gloria Childress

Gloria Joyce Simms Childress was born on November 12, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the union of David Tolliver Simms and Cora Lee Simms. She was the second of four siblings: David Jr., LaVenia and Diana. Gloria departed this life on March 14, 2023.

Gloria grew up in the West End until the family settled in Madisonville. She attended Washburn Elementary School, Bloom Junior High School, and graduated from Woodward High School in 1952. Gloria earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Central State University in 1956.

Gloria was united in marriage to her love, James Palmer Childress. They were together until his departure on July 18, 2014. They were proud parents to sons, Jon David Childress and Ronald Palmer Childress.

Gloria began her teaching career at Lincoln Grant Elementary, Covington, Kentucky. She also taught at Garfield Elementary (Cumminsville), Lincoln Elementary (East End) and Anderson Place Elementary (Madisonville). She retired from the Cincinnati Public School System in 1991. Gloria was widely beloved by her students and maintained several relationships that lasted for over 50 years.

Gloria loved spending time with her family. Gloria and Jim enjoyed taking Jon and Ronald on long road trips in their station wagon. During her retirement years, she was always present at her grandchildren’s basketball games, track meets and school events. She adored smooth jazz; one of her favorite singers, Nancy Wilson, was a CSU student during her college years. She liked getting together with her extended family at the annual CSU Cincinnati Chapter Jazz Brunch. Gloria was a sports fan, especially of the Williams sisters. Gloria and her brother, David always called each other when a big sporting event was on TV. She also had a good time playing slots during her monthly casino visits.

Gloria will be remembered as a loving, giving and caring person, who was fun to be around. She leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Jon Childress and Ronald Childress; daughter-in-law, Charlene Childress; brother, David Simms; two sisters, LaVenia Simms and Diana Smith; five grandchildren, Justin Childress, Myles Childress, Jon Childress II, Jalen Childress and Ciera Calhoun; and three great-grandchildren, Justice Childress, Joshua Childress and Kaviana Childress. She also treasured dearly her many relatives and friends.

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