Meriam B. Childress

ASHMORE, IL – Meriam B. Childress age 99 of Ashmore, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24, 2020.  Private graveside services, attended by her family, will be held at the Ashmore Cemetery in Ashmore to celebrate her life.  Those wishing to honor her life with a charitable donation may do so to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Cancer Center.  Gifts may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920. 

Meriam was born November 17, 1920 in Belle Rive, Illinois, one of twelve children born to the late Frank William and Nora (Martz) Wangler.  She became the bride of Mac Warren Childress on August 24, 1941, and a year later they moved to their farm home just north of Ashmore which remains the family home today.  Meriam devoted her life to her family.  As a homemaker she established a warm and inviting home for all who entered its doors.  She was a devoted and supportive wife.  She and Mac made a good team and she always brought out the best in him.  They enjoyed 67 years together as they traveled the world and shared their enthusiasm for U of I Basketball, prior to his death on April 5, 2009.  As a mother, she raised strong independent daughters.  She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening and canning to help feed her family, and as a marvelous cook she prepared delicious meals that her family will always remember. 

Meriam was an active member of the Ashmore Community and was a faithful and devoted member of the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church where she volunteered her time and talents in various areas of church service.  She shared her voice in the choir, was a member of the Sunshine Class, taught Sunday School, and was a member and past president of a women’s group.  She was also formerly a long-time member of the Order of Eastern Star Ashmore Chapter.  Meriam’s care and concern for others was also demonstrated through her organization of the first Cancer Walk in Coles County and her continued work with the Cancer Society.

Meriam leaves a large and loving family to cherish their many wonderful memories: four daughters, Mary Childress of Mattoon, Illinois, Linda Keeler of Charleston, Illinois, Diana Wilson of Martinsville, Illinois and Rachel Childress of Princeton, Kentucky; seven grandchildren, Mac White (Jennifer), Drew Walborn (Sarah), Holt Walborn (Sara), Tim Wilson, Deone Higgenbothom (Troy), Carter Wilson (Megan), Kim Ward (Dave); twelve great-grandchildren, Zoey, Darby, Abbey, Grace, Tyler, Teddi, Elizabeth, Patrick, Rachel, Bennedict, Luther, and Kolton; her brother, Earl Wangler of Algonquin, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband and ten siblings, Meriam was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Tim Wilson and Dennis Keeler.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Meriam B. Childress, please visit our floral store.