Brenda Faye Spencer Childs

Born September 9, 1940, Brenda Faye Spencer Childs died in long term care at Tishomingo Community Living Center, January 3, 2023.

Brenda was graduated from Corinth High School in 1958 where she was chosen by her classmates as “Class Favorite” her Senior year. She met her husband-to-be at Bruce’s Drive-In on South Fillmore Street in Corinth; he asked her to go riding with him one night and the rest was history. She attended Northeast Mississippi Community College after high school. She began her career in banking in the Summer of 1959 with Security Bank as a part-time job. She aspired to be an airline stewardess. She interviewed with Braniff Airlines in Memphis, TN, and was hired by the airline but never accepted the job because her boyfriend and future husband, Miller, begged her not to go off and leave him. So, she stayed in Corinth. Then he was drafted for a short stint in the United States Army. While stationed at Fort Bragg, AR, he wrote her love letters expressing how much he missed her and loved her and he couldn’t wait to come home. After 5 years of dating, they were married in August of 1962. Her part-time summer banking job turned into full-time as she worked for Security Bank, now Regions Bank, for 43 years, until her retirement the end of January, 2001. After retirement she hit the road traveling with Barclay Travel Service out of New Albany, MS. She traveled all over the United States spending her children’s inheritance. She never met a stranger and loved people and traveling. She loved life and

was a perpetual student of life. She didn’t want to miss anything. She was always curious about new things, new people and new places. She was well known for her infectious, loud, boisterous laugh. She would throw her head back and her signature laugh would come barreling out for all to hear within hearing distance.

She was never afraid to tackle a new experience; she claimed it kept her young. She used to say, “Life isn’t always easy. You have to learn to roll with the punches. You can’t stop learning and being open to changes and new experiences. This ain’t no trial run! If you don’t embrace these things you will be left behind. I want to squeeze every second out of this life. ” And she did.

She was a life-long member of First United Methodist Church where she served with the United Methodist Women. She loved her Sunday School Class and being involved in various church activities when called upon. After retirement, she assisted with planning and organizing the annual Lenten Luncheons at First Methodist. She served on several church committees throughout the years and became more involved once she had more free time. For many years she coordinated the weekly flower calendar to assure there were flowers on the altar for each Sunday’s worship service. She truly enjoyed gathering the information from different people placing flowers on the altar in honor or memory of loved ones.

She is survived by her 2 children, Anthony (Tony) Spencer Childs, Corinth, MS and Tiffany Childs Hight, Corinth, MS; 3 grandchildren, Braddock Ellis Hight (Jamie), Sydney Brooke Hight and Neeley Brennan Hight, all from Corinth. Her children and grandchildren were her heart and soul; her source of pride and joy. She enjoyed spending time with them more than anything else. They were always her priority. Her face would always light up when she would see them coming. She was happiest when her family was all together for a birthday party or holiday.

She also leaves 2 sisters-in-law, Cathy Davis Spencer of Corinth, MS, and Judy Taylor Childs, Gatlinburg, TN; 3 nephews, Michael Childs (Rayeann), Memphis, TN, Oscar Edward Spencer, IV (Spence), Corinth, MS, and Tony Parnell, Gatlinburg, TN; 9 nieces, Sylbia Spencer Mills (Barry), Corinth, MS, Sally Spencer Hammett (Phillip), Olive Branch, MS, Amy Spencer Vanderford, Oxord, MS, Kasey Spencer Atkins (Eric) Corinth, MS, Susan Spencer Butler (John), Corinth, MS, Mary Katharine Spencer Sullivan (Brian) Gulfport, MS, Sonja Childs Palmer, Booneville, MS, Lisa Childs Greenleaf, Gatlinburg, TN, along with numerous great nieces and nephews as well as a very special neighbor for over 50 years, Doris Whitaker Hathcock.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 and one half years, Miller Eugene Childs, her brothers, Oscar Edward Spencer, III and John Clayton Spencer, her parents, Oscar Edward Spencer, Jr. and Vina Sue Leatherwood Spencer, 2 brothers-in-law, Billy Lane Childs and Danny Kaye Childs, a nephew, James (Jimbo) Todd Childs, 3 sisters-in-law, Carole Gifford Spencer, Lucy Childs, and Ann Childs, as well as her in-laws, Turner Grover Childs and Myrtle Mae Studdard Childs.

She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her dear, wonderful friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday at First Methodist Church with Rev. Bobby Capps officiating. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.

Family will receive friends Thursday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the church.

Flowers may be sent to Memorial Funeral home and donations made to First United Methodist Church, Shiloh Road, Corinth, MS.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialcorinth.com for the Childs family.

Memorial Funeral Home is charge of arrangements.