Elsie Childress Obituary

Elsie Mae Kendrick Russell Childress

October 5, 1930 -

March 27, 2026

KINGSPORT - Elsie Mae Kendrick Russell Childress, age 95, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed peacefully from this life on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 5, 1930, in Midway, Virginia, she was the daughter of Oscar and Etta Mae Kendrick. Elsie was one of thirteen children and the last surviving sibling. She grew up in a large family during a time that shaped her strength as a mother and her deep devotion to those she loved.

Elsie began her career with United Telephone as a telephone operator and later retired as a switchboard operator from Holston Valley Hospital. Through decades of change, she remained steady, dependable, and devoted to her family.

She was a member of Apostolic Gospel Church in Kingsport, and her faith in the Lord was strong and vibrant across nine decades. Throughout her life, she worshiped Him in many ways, including by playing the piano at church services, sharing a God-given talent with others.

Elsie was first married to Floyd T. Russell, who passed away in 1964. As a young widow, she raised and supported her family with determination and resilience. She later married John Junior Childress, who preceded her in death in 2011. Family was always at the center of Elsie's life. Sunday lunches at her house were a treasured tradition, bringing everyone together around her table. Her chicken and dumplings were always a favorite and will never quite taste the same anywhere else.

She is survived by her children, Terry Russell (Vernia Sue) and Pamela Repass (Mike); her grandchildren, Justin Repass (Lindsey), Jonathan Repass (Jeremy), and Wesley Russell (Brittany); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Payton, Gavin, Sullivan, and Natalie.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m., in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Greg Street officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00a.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Kingsport, TN. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Family and friends are asked to meet at Oak Hill Memorial Park at 10:45 a.m. for the Graveside Service.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Wexford House. A special thank you to Norma, Penny, and Vola, who were by her side with the family at the time of her passing. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Elsie lived a wonderfully long life grounded in faith and family, and her steady presence will be deeply missed.

An online guest register is available for the Childress family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Elsie Mae Childress.