Laura Lynn Childes

Laura Lynn Childes was born January 10, 1962, in Anderson, Indiana, to David and Judy Brown. She was raised with her younger brother, David, in Indiana. As a young woman, Laura was known for her infectious joy, kindness, beauty, and easy sense of humor. She was an active student at Madison Heights High School, enjoyed music, played multiple sports, including tennis and basketball, and was crowned homecoming queen in 1980.

She attended nursing school at Anderson University, where she played varsity tennis and was nursing student of the year in 1981. She received her nursing degree from Anderson University, followed by a master's degree as a Nurse Practitioner at Indiana University.

Laura met the love of her life, Jeffrey Childes, early in life while in junior high school. They fell in love at university and were wed on May 22, 1982. They were blessed with 6 children and created a home environment characterized by the love of the Lord, constant hospitality, music, education, and great joy. Laura homeschooled all 6 of her children and showed a constant dedication and perseverance to their success and well-being. She raised physicians, artists, entrepreneurs, a pastor, and daughters who followed her footsteps in nursing, and took great pride in their successes.

Tragically, in January 2012, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She underwent surgery and radiation, and although cured of her cancer, she suffered a slow cognitive decline during the remainder of her life. Throughout her suffering, Laura demonstrated strong faith in her Lord and a supernatural peace and joy despite her circumstances. Her strength and disposition were an encouragement to those around her.

On September 7, 2025, Laura went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by family, the hymns that she loved, and prayer. Laura is survived by her brother, Dr. David Brown, her husband, Dr. Jeffrey Childes, her 6 children and their spouses - Kristen and Brad Hartman, Mariel and Trevor Harding, Ben and Kaitlyn Childes, Jon and Angelica Childes, Emily and David Schermers, Daniel and Emily Childes, as well as 16 grandchildren.

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

A  Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church, 1215 Buncombe Rd. Greenville, SC 29609.